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Curated Auction

1988 Austin Mini Designer Mary Quant

At a Glance

Limited Edition | ~1 Year Ownership | Nice Condition

  • Mileage~69,697
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.0L
  • LocationLytham St Annes

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
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CURRENT BID£3,701
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£3,701

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Known for creating the iconic mini skirt, this limited-edition Mini is a fitting tribute to the legendary Mary Quant.

In 1988, Mary Quant designed the interior of the Mini for a limited-edition version. It features black-and-white striped seats with red trimming, red seatbelts, and Quant's signature on the upper left quadrant of the driver and passenger seats. The steering wheel includes Quant's signature daisy, while the bonnet badge has "Mary Quant" written above the signature. The headlight housings, wheel arches, door handles, and bumpers were finished in "Nimbus Grey" instead of the more common chrome or black finishes.

This car comes to market from ~1 year ownership. It's a genuine Mary Quant that has had a few choice tweaks to it over the years. Classic Minis are fantastic fun to own, with a wide selection available when searching for one to buy. However, special-edition models like this Mini Designer Mary Quant truly stand out from the rest.

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

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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.

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

I purchased the Mini as a car to jump in and have some fun driving.

Dorothy purchased the Mini around a year ago with the idea of owning a classic car that’s easy to drive and enjoyable. She sold another classic car with us, an Escort RS2000 last year, so likes to have something fun to turn to.

However, with a house move on the cards and a lack of storage at the new place, the special-edition Mary Quant Mini is now in need of a new home. Dorothy will be on hand to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Dorothy
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

With just two colour options available for the Mary Quant edition, this one is finished in Jet Black.

Wheels and Tyres

The Minilite-style wheels are in very good condition overall, with just a small kerb mark on the front nearside wheel. The tyres are all matching and have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery for a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in good order, with equal panel gaps. There is a small amount of blistering just below the windscreen rubber in the centre and a slight ding in the boot lid which could possibly be revoed by a paintless dent removal specialist. All of the bodywork is said to be original.

We’ve detailed our observations through high-resolution images and videos, so please review all the media files to assess the car’s condition.

Paint

Finished in "Jet Black", the Mini presents well, with high gloss and superb reflections. As you'd expect for a car of this age, there are minor blemishes here and there that come with time, there's some flatness to the paint that runs down to the ground from the door handles as pictured.

Images taken from various angles provide a comprehensive view of the car. Please review these high-resolution images and videos to form your own opinion of the paint’s condition.

Glass and Trim

The windows are in good condition, although the wiper on the passenger side has caused a light scratch. All the seals appear to be in good condition with no signs of perishing. Dorothy noted that the offside quarter window sits slightly lower but confirmed it doesn’t leak or cause issues.

A Webasto-style roof is fitted and works as it should. This is believed to have been a dealer-fitted option when new, although this cannot be confirmed. The Mary Quant edition originally came with Nimbus Grey bumpers and arches, which have been replaced at some point by a previous keeper with chrome bumpers and black arches. These are in decent condition, the chrome showing age in some areas.

Interior

The striking black-and-white striped interior is unique to the Mary Quant edition.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are finished in a distinctive black-and-white fabric and are in very good condition. While the Mary Quant logos have worn off, their original placement is visible. The red seatbelts have been replaced and are in good working condition.

The carpet throughout the cabin is in good condition with no signs of excessive wear.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

As you know a Mini dashboard is minimal. The instruments work correctly, and the odometer shows ~69,697 miles.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original three-spoke leather steering wheel shows signs of age around the rim, and the Mary Quant logo remains intact in the centre. The gear knob is in good condition, with the gear markings still clearly visible.

Mechanics

The 998cc A-Series engine is reliable and perfectly suited to the Mini.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts easily with a touch of choke and runs smoothly, with no issues reported. Recent work includes a new water pump and, in 2020/2021, new spark plugs, HT leads, distributor cap, rotor arm, condenser, and a full strip-down of the carburettor, which also received new jets.

The four-speed gearbox shifts smoothly, and no unusual noises have been noted from the transmission.

Suspension and Brakes

The Mini sits as expected and handles well on the road, with no knocks or bangs from the suspension. The brakes function as they should, bringing the car to a halt smoothly and without juddering.

The Drive

Driving the Mini is a great experience. It’s lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and ideal for city driving or enjoying twisty B-roads on a sunny day.

Electrics and Other

All the switchgear is in very good condition, with no significant signs of wear, and everything is reported to work correctly to the knowledge of Dorothy.

History and Paperwork

This is a lovely example of the Mary Quant Mini, which is in largely original condition, coming to market from ~1 year ownership and ready to be enjoyed.

The car comes to market from ~1 year ownership with two ignition keys, two door keys, and previously went through the UK Mini's competition website in 2022. Although paperwork is limited to a few invoices for parts since 2020, There is a current MOT, which is valid until 02 February 2025, and it passed with no advisories.

A perfect opportunity for any Mini enthusiast to own the desirable Mary Quant special-edition model.

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

We've summarised our view of the car based on information from the seller above. As you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high-resolution detail—this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. Please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to assess the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed for 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 valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please 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 in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
03.02.2024 MOT 69,336
15.10.2021 MOT 68,328
20.10.2020 MOT 67,990
30.07.2018 MOT 67,964
Key Details
  • ModelMini Designer Mary Quant
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date25.10.1988
  • CC998
  • Mileage~69,697
  • ColourJet Black
  • Interior ColourBlack/White
  • Interior TrimFabric
  • Chassis #SAXXL2S1020393229
  • Engine #99HB81P0170235
  • RestoredNo
  • MOTExp: 02.02.2025
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers7
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~10 months
  • Key FeatureSpecial Mary Quant edition
  • Auction ID2307


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £3,701
    £
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 12th Dec at 7.40pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  3
    £3,701 bid by mr36429.11.24 @ 20:08:57
    £3,500 bid by thomas4628.11.24 @ 15:56:13
    £1,005 bid by Alan22Coulter28.11.24 @ 14:01:07
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    653
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    2 Comments
    Alan22Coulter
    Alan22Coulter
    6 days ago

    Hello I’m just wondering what you’re looking for the mini.
    I’m a collector of classic minis

    ColinB
    ColinB
    Admin
      Alan22Coulter
    6 days ago

    Hi Alan,

    The Mini does have a reserve but we can’t disclose it. Good luck with the bidding.

    Thanks,
    Colin.

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Mini like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Winter 2024.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Lytham St Annes

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price that the seller will let the car go for. We work with sellers to set realistic reserves in line with market pricing – we don’t take on vehicles with unrealistic pricing. Reserve met / not met labeling may or may not be announced during the auction – this is just like a traditional auction house, i.e. bidders may only know when they’ve been successful at the end of the auction.

    If the reserve hasn’t been met at the end of the auction then we work with the highest bidder to try to work out a deal with the seller.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.