1960 Morris Mini MK1 Deluxe
(Featured on 7th December 2013)
Make: Morris
Model: Mini Mk1
Year: 1960
Sellers original description:
A very early ex-concours winning Morris Mini Minor De-Luxe.
EQUIPMENT:
Bumper overriders with tubular extensions, bright finishing to windscreen, chromed filler cap, chromed number plate lamp, double-dip headlamps, hinged rear number plate, sliding windows, opening rear windows, floor mounted starter switch, central instrument dial, oil pressure warning lamp, rear companion pocket lighting, wide door pockets, flashing indicator stalk, fresh air heater, door kick protectors, front and rear ashtrays, two sun visors, heater.
EXTERIOR:
This very early Mini is pert and smart finished in Cherry Red and is truly stunning with a flawless glossy shine. All the chrome detailing unique to the De-Luxe model has a mirror finish and is immaculate. The vehicle has never had a panel replaced and all the original spot welds are still visible on the wings and sills. Being a very early production model it has the non-recessed glass apertures unlike cars built after October 1960 which were 50kg heavier. The glass, rubbers and lenses are as new. The engine bay is a delight and has been meticulously detailed. A splendid show piece.
INTERIOR:
Glorious the standard grey fleck seats with matching red inserts and wide flutes complement the exterior wonderfully and are preserved in every respect. Washable vinyl-coated fabric seats match the door cards and the patterned headlining is tight and clean. Early production features such as the straight gearstick and the heater unit has no provision for shutting off air flow to the car still remain. All the switches, lights and controls function correctly. Simply divine.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:
A water cooled, overhead-valve four-cylinder engine mounted transversely has a cubic capacity of 848cc and produces 34bhp. The engine is whisper quiet and still the factory supplied unit with matching numbers as per the British Motor Heritage Trust Certificate. Early production car features such as the brass cap at the top of the dashpot on the SU carburettor and metal filler caps for the master cylinders are still fitted. The engine bay has been detailed for bonnet-up showing and creating a ‘wow’ factor. The original 4-speed gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears operates well.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES:
Pressed steel wheels with the early ultra-rare Super-de-Luxe chrome wheel trims featuring 10 rectangular apertures around the periphery all remain highly polished. Sourced from the Heritage Centre the Dunlop SP Aquajet radial tyres of 145 SR10 size are as new. Braking to all four wheels is hydraulically operated by a pendant pedal with two leading shoes at the front.
HISTORY FILE:
Built on the 5th of July 1960 this example is one of the most iconic of all the Minis as it was built within the first year of production and before the Mini Mk1 ‘facelift ‘ of October 1960, so is a historically significant car. Cars built before this cut-off point pocess a certain uniqueness with individual build differences before full scale production and standardisation was employed.
Despatched on the 11th of July to Wadham Holdings Limited in Hampshire this vehicle was supplied to Burt Laker who kept every MOT for the car since the test became compulsory for him in 1967. Then purchased by Christie Howard, Chairwoman of the Northampton Mini Owners Club, who loaned the car to a museum for a ‘from the bomb to the Beetles’ exhibition. Sold then to Mini enthusiast, Bob Newton who wanted to buy the oldest Mini possible, he embarked on a incredible journey to painstakingly restore this car keeping all the original panels, engine, seats and trim. This is all photographically detailed proving the sound nature of the car as the starting platform.
This vehicle has won first place on two occasions at Mini in the Park Concours and has only been owned by three further Mini club members all known to each other. Numerous awards are testament to the originality and quality many strive but never achieve. A British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate confirms matching numbers for the purist. Original Morris Drivers Handbook, tool bag and keys. One of the best.
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