1959 Austin Mini Seven (Rally Spec) |

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1959 Austin Mini Seven (Rally Spec)

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Mileage~47,045 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.0-litre
LocationSoham, Cambridgeshire

AUCTION CLOSED

1959 Austin Mini Seven (Rally Spec)

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Introduction

Ashley Dawson

Professional Consigner

Few cars have had an impact on motoring and motorsport quite like the original 1959 Austin Mini Seven.

Launched as a revolutionary answer to practical, affordable transport, the Mini quickly evolved into something far greater, a motorsport legend. Its lightweight nature, nimble handling, and innovative engineering made it a formidable competitor on rally stages around the world, earning a reputation for punching far above its weight.

This particular car stands firmly within that heritage. With authentic rally modifications, purposeful character, and unmistakable patina, it captures everything that made the Mini an icon both on the road and in the heat of competition.

Coming to market after almost 25 years with our vendor, who has cared for and embraced its rally character, this example remains a wonderfully evocative survivor. Though documentation is limited, its specification, period features, and mechanical details strongly support its status as an early rally-prepared car.

Purpose-built for rallying while retaining much of its early Mini charm, it remains functional, characterful, and very much in keeping with a classic motorsport machine, showing honest signs of use from both its age and its rallying life. Finished in its original colour and fitted with lightweight panels and practical rally modifications, it presents as an honest, competition-used car that wears its history proudly.

This listing was written from information supplied by Ashley after meeting Malcolm the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

After nearly 25 years of ownership, it's time for someone to enjoy it as much as I have.

Malcolm has been the proud custodian of this remarkable Mini since October 2000, guiding it into a rally specification. Already a competition car in its earlier life, Malcolm rebuilt it with authenticity and care, sourcing rare components including a genuine “works” roll cage to return it to proper period rally trim. Since completion in 2014, the Mini has successfully competed in five rallies under his ownership, continuing the motorsport spirit it was born for.

Malcolm is parting with the Mini purely due to space and the reality that age has finally brought his rallying days to a close. He describes the rebuild as “a great pleasure,” and now hopes the car will be passed to someone who will appreciate its heritage and continue its rally story.

Malcolm will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Malcolm

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

True to its rally-prepared nature, the exterior of this 1959 Mini Seven blends period correctness with purposeful competition upgrades.

Wheels and Tyres

The Mini sits on a set of 10-inch black steel wheels featuring nine perimeter-drilled holes, reminiscent of Cooper S wheels but with smaller apertures. They suit the car’s competition character well and present in usable condition.

Tyres comprise a mixed but serviceable set of Dunlop, Falken, and Zetum (145R10), all the treads look to be in good condition.

Two spare wheels are also included, both securely mounted across the rear seat base in true rally fashion

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the Austin and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

Malcolm the owner reports only minimal rust, with a small area on the offside sill near the jacking point worth noting.

Both the bonnet and boot lid are lightweight fibreglass replacements. The bonnet removes fully via four exterior catches, while the boot lid opens conventionally after releasing two fasteners - practical, lightweight solutions typical of period Minis prepared for competition.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Resprayed in its original 'Cellulose' finish during the rebuild, the Mini’s paintwork remains presentable - of course, it will be up to the new owner to decide whether to improve in the future, or enjoy as is.

As expected for a rally-used car, there are some age-related marks, chips, and imperfections from competition use.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen is an original early item, showing several light surface scratches, though none affecting driver visibility.

All remaining windows are custom-made 3mm Perspex units installed for weight saving during rallying. These remain in a usable condition, consistent with the car’s motorsport preparation.

All trims are in good condition with light patina present.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior of this 1959 Austin Mini Seven blends period-correct components with competition-focused upgrades.

Seats and Carpets

The seats present well for their age, with only light wear considering the car’s motorsport background. The rear seat squab shows two small tears. The driver’s seat is a rare 1960s fibreglass competition seat with padded inserts; the padding has a small tear, and while originally red, it has been overpainted in black with hints of red now showing through.

The carpets are non-genuine replacements fitted during the rebuild and remain in reasonable condition, showing a couple of small dirty marks from regular rally use.

Dashboard

The dashboard and fascia are finished in their original light grey material, retaining the distinctive early Mini appearance.

There is a single split on the driver’s side, but overall the dash remains tidy and true to its original specification.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is a later leather-rimmed replacement, 340mm in diameter with three alloy spokes - the leather does show noticeable wear.

The gear stick is the iconic early “magic wand” type-long, straight, and with a distinct upturned end near the gear knob, adding real period character while maintaining the car’s authentic early driving feel.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Rally-prepared yet impressively usable, the mechanical setup of this 1959 Austin Mini Seven has been carefully refined over many years of competition and ownership.

Engine and Gearbox

The original 848cc engine was replaced in 2017 with a more capable 998cc unit, chosen to deliver improved rally performance.

This engine benefits from a lightly modified cylinder head and runs on twin H1 SU carburettors, paired with “Downton” inlet and exhaust manifolds and an AEA731 rally camshaft, producing approximately 60bhp, a notable uplift ideal for competitive driving.

The gearbox remains the standard early Mini unit and, according to Malcolm the owner, has never given any trouble throughout his tenure.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension largely remains original but is equipped with “Hi-Lo” adjustable arms, allowing the ride height to be quickly altered for different rally stages. Adjustable shock absorbers further enhance tunability.

Braking is handled by the standard drum setup on all four corners, with the main rear–front brake line cleverly rerouted through the cabin to protect it from potential underbody damage during competition.

The Drive

On the road, Malcolm the owner has said the mini drives very well, offering smooth power delivery and the lively, characterful experience these early cars are loved for.

The engine upgrades give it the extra performance needed for rallying without compromising drivability.

Malcolm added the Mini feels solid with no unwanted noises.

Electrics and Other

Electrical systems have been sensibly modified for rally use, including additional gauges for amps, oil pressure, vacuum, and a rev counter (currently inoperative). Wiring is also in place for spotlights mounted within the front grille.

For durability and safety, the main battery cable now runs inside the cabin along the transmission tunnel.

The car also benefits from dual fuel tanks - the standard tank plus a secondary tank, ideal for extended rally stages.

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History and Paperwork

As a long-term enthusiast-owned rally car, this Austin Mini Seven has been maintained with care, dedication, and a deep understanding of its mechanical needs.

The car is accompanied by a comprehensive history file containing invoices for a wide range of replacement and upgraded components used during its rebuild and continued rally preparation. This documentation reflects the extensive work invested into sourcing correct period parts and competition upgrades, including many rare items.

Focused upgrades, thoughtful reliability improvements, and regular maintenance by Malcolm the owner ensured the car remains responsive, lively, and true to its purpose.

Together with Malcolm’s detailed knowledge of the car, the paperwork provides a reassuring record of its restoration.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
18.07.2011	MOT	84,536
20.07.2005	Engine Rebored

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Key Details

ModelMini Seven
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date13.11.1959
CC998 (848 on V5)
Mileage~47,045 miles on the clock
ColourRed
Interior ColourGrey/Black
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #A-A2S7/6221
Engine #89H702E-H114311 (8A-U-H/4517 on V5/Heritage Certificate)
Matching #sNo
Restored2014
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers3
Tyre BrandDunlop, Falken, and Zetum
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~25 years, 1 month
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Auction ID3285

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Vehicle Location

Soham

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Seller : Imalcolms

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1 Comment

tjs

2 days ago

Hi
Can you tell me the story behind the number plate changes.
Why was the plates changed and come under a new VRM
Thanks

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