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Curated Auction

1971 Austin Mini – Restomod

At a Glance

Upgraded Engine | Straight-Cut Gearbox | Solid Throughout | Performance Upgrades | Tremendous Fun

  • Mileage~23,860 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.3L
  • LocationLeamington Spa

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

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CURRENT BID£1,500
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,500

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Video #2

Introduction

Adam Purrier
Trade Classics

A British icon reimagined, with potency to enhance its charms.

Sir Alec Issigonis' brief for the Mini was to produce a small and economical car to transport the masses and their luggage. However, it became clear that its innovative transverse engine layout and clever packaging not only sparked off a trend for FWD cars, but in the process became one of the defining icons of the 1960s. A truly classless car, the Mini would be as adept on a snow-filled rally course in Monte Carlo as it would be earning its keep as a shopping car. From the first-time driver to the motorsport legends, anyone of a certain age has a memory and a tale of the Mini.

Its talent for agility, traction and engine tuneability was just one facet of its appeal. Putting aside the cheeky styling, practicality and cultural impact, the Mini became the subject of engine modifications from the start. With the Cooper works cars came a cottage industry of seeking power from the diminutive but robust A-Series engines, and even the most modest of power increases transformed the already responsive driving experience.

The Mini’s production lasted 6 decades, and remarkably stayed close to the original 1959 design; there is unlikely to be another car like it. It captured the imagination of millions of people, and its legacy simply becomes stronger with each passing year. The expertise and knowledge of these cars have helped to refine the best and most tasteful modifications, and this 1971 Austin enhances the original's positive traits without ruining the Mini's charm. Presented in a 1960s style, complete with old English white paintwork, vintage trim and 10” mini lite style alloys, this example has seen an extensive amount of engine, suspension and braking work. Smartly presented with a rollbar, bucket seats and straight-cut gearbox, Trade Classics is proud to present this road-legal rocket. It is MOT and road tax exempt and has been enthusiast owned since 2018.

This listing was written from information supplied by Adam after meeting Henrik 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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

It’s a proper rocket - I love it!

Bought by Henrik in 2018, he was attracted to the impressive power hike and tasteful finish of the car, but soon fell in love with the way it drives. The go-kart experience, combined with the upgraded power, is unlike anything he's ever driven before.

Fitted with recognised upgrades, the car's finishing is to a high standard with proven reliability.

Henrik is now out in Spain full time now and is only selling the car due to a lack of recent use and will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Henrik
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Tastefully finished in a retro-style, this Mini is smart and solid throughout.

Wheels and Tyres

The 10” Ultralite Mini-lite style wheels are in good shape with mild signs of age on the rims.

The car is fitted with a set of Yokohamas - they’re around 5 years old and have plenty of legal and even tread.

image

Bodywork

The engine bay, subframes and boot floor all look solid. There are signs of age on the lowest section of the offside wheel well and along the floor pan. The rest of the underside appears to be solid.

The side exterior presents well, free of dents or significant panel blemishes except for a dent on the roof. We also noticed some under-paint imperfections on the top of the nearside wing, a spot on the boot lid, and a section below the rear screen shows . The panel are flush to the body with acceptable shut lines, and all of the doors open and close with ease.

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.

image

Paint

The old English white paint shows positive lustre and offers a consistent colour coverage - it is generally free of chips and surface marks.

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.

image

Glass and Trim

The glass, seals and lighting are in good shape with no significant signs of age.

The brightwork looks smart and all free of damage.

The 1960s-style bumpers are in good shape and well-mounted.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Combining retro chic with quality bucket seats and a rollbar; the interior has been well prepared.

Seats and Carpets

The Sparco bucket seats are in excellent shape and are really comfortable and supportive to sit in.

The red carpets are clean, dry and in good order.

image

Dashboard

The dash fabric padding is in good shape. It's a little loose in places but free of marks. The centre switches show mild signs of age, and the dials are legible.

The door cards are in good shape, sporting aftermarket door pulls and winders.

The car is also fitted with colour-coded red belts.

The rear trim looks good, with some wear noted on the paintwork.

The headlining shows some discolouration and a few marks but is free of rips.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The 8 ball gear lever looks great and the wood rimmed Moto-lita steering wheel is presentable with minimal wear.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Driving this modified Mini is an amplification of the original - the dials are turned up to 11.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts up straight away, with no wobbles or hesitation. Only a little choke was needed, and it idles smoothly within seconds. No dashboard lights were evident during the cold start process, and the exhaust remained clear of any unwanted fumes.

The modified road-going engine is now bored out to 1293 cc. The engine features a Stage 3 head, MED roller rockers, an AC Dodd RS Cam, a lightened and balanced flywheel, a MED adjustable timing belt, a MED alloy oil filter housing and pump, and a Maniflow exhaust manifold.

The engine presentation is positive, with decent hoses and ancillaries. It will be a rewarding task for the next owner to clean up the minor cosmetics of the engine.

The MED roller straight-cut gearbox works beautifully. The set-up allows straight-cut drop gears to transfer power with more efficiency and is ideal for modified road-going engines - plus it sounds amazing too with the AP clutch working well in tandem.

image

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension has been carefully upgraded to include fully adjustable rear KAD negative camber, adjustable front tie rods, solid specialists components tower bolt and mounts, and poly-bushed front subframe. The ride, as to be expected, is oriented towards handling and offers a near-faultless Mini experience on the roads.

The braking has also been extensively upgraded to include 4-pot alloy calipers and Green Stuff pads on ventilated brakes.

image

The Drive

The engine and running gear set up accentuates the nimble characteristics and provides controllability that is almost unrivalled in an analogue FWD car. The soundtrack is enhanced by the 1293cc engine, close-cut gearbox, bigger exhaust and upgraded air filters.

The initial low-speed drive highlights the positive aspects of the suspension, with no bangs or knocks heard. The steering is typically razor sharp, although Adam noted there is a slight pull to the kerb - perhaps it may be due to the road camber, but maybe some tracking would help.

The ride is bouncy, as you’d expect, but the bucket seat goes some way into holding your body firmly and makes the experience a more comfortable proposition. The brakes operate with no negative feedback, slowing and stopping the car with no drama.

Adam demonstrated the car on the open road at 50 mph, where its natural urge couldn’t stop him from smiling. It pulls well in all gears, with no issues changing down to first as he slowed down. The oil pressure remained positive at around 80-90 PSI, and the engine temperature, despite the warm day, stayed static at the halfway point.

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Electrics and Other

The car is fitted with a rollbar cage, 3-point harnesses and an external engine cut-off handle.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

If you're looking for a pocket rocket Mini with a sensible reserve, then this could be worth serious consideration.

Originally registered in May 1971 as a Mini 1000, it comes with a history file, which include seatbelt work, a new temperature gauge and engine maintenance carried out by the London Mini Centre. Henrik has also included a specification list and a dyno printout. The car is MOT and road tax exempt, and passed a MOT in 2016 and 2018 with no advisories.

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
20-02-2018 MOT 21,671
02-05-2016 MOT 21,460
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Key Details
  • Model Austin Mini
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 28-05-1971
  • CC 1293
  • Mileage ~23,860 on clock
  • Colour Old English White
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # XA2S1N396841A
  • Engine # 99H353EH189788
  • MOT Expired 20-02-2018
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • Former Keepers 12
  • Tyre Brand Yokohama
  • Tyre Age 2019
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 7 Years
  • Key Feature Modified Pocket Rocket
  • Vehicle Registration YTR 54J
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2 door saloon
  • Auction ID 2946
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Leamington Spa

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £1,500
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    Auction Ends Thu 17th Jul at 7.20pm
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    £1,500 bid by jcf8403.07.25 @ 16:25:27
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    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 Summer 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Leamington Spa

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