1991 Rover Mini by Lamm Autohaus

Judging by the chassis number and the numerals written inside the boot lid, this example is number 71 of the 75 built. The car was supplied new by one of the “chosen 12” dealers, Quicks of Coventry, and the Mini still wears the original dealer plates and rear window sticker.

The Mini was originally bought under a company name and was ultimately gifted to the company’s owner as a benefit in kind. This accounts for the first two registered keepers and the owner then dry stored the car right up until his passing. At that sad juncture, the owner’s son took ownership of the car and became the third and most recent keeper.

Perhaps most remarkably, however, this Lamm convertible has covered a mere 368 miles in the last 22 years. The car is as close to a new 1991 Mini as you are likely to find, let alone a one of 75, Lamm Autohaus converted 1,275cc one! Remarkable.

The challenge incumbent with writing about this Mini is how to avoid repeated use of the terms “as new” or “factory fresh.” This is a dry stored car with a mere 368 miles behind it after all! The exterior of this car was undoubtedly designed to catch eyes and turn heads. Firstly, there is that Pearlescent Cherry Red paintwork which manages to look both sophisticated, and reminiscent of the claret hues favoured by 1950s saloons, and sporting all at once. The paintwork is beautifully lustrous and punctuated by a subtle, double coachline in silver. Discreet “Lamm Design” decals adorn the bottom fonts of the doors.

The chunky body kit starts with a bumper covering front chin spoiler with built in oblong driving lights. These morph into deeply flared, hand width (at least!) wheel arch extensions front and rear. These are connected by grooved side skirts with outward flared ends. The rear end wears a copy of the front, bumper covering panel with an integrated fog lamp.

The maroon fabric hood fits tightly and appears to be in an, understandably, excellent condition. The rear side windows are plastic items which are integrated with the hood in the most obvious difference to the later Rover version. Both these and the plastic rear window are clear, un-fogged and free from creases. When the hood is dropped, a tailored maroon tonneau cover is on hand to keep everything neat and tidy.

Those sublime flared arches provide a home for the original five-spoked Revolution light alloy wheels. These are 13-inch items and are centred with chequered and Union flag bearing caps. These are shod with a matching set of Pirelli P7F tyres.

The cabin didn’t escape the special treatment, either. The Lamm cars were fitted with grey velour seats from the Mini Mayfair, the most luxurious items available in the Rover Mini parts warehouse at the time. These fold forward to provide access to the identically trimmed rear bench. The rear side panels and door cards are trimmed in the same luxurious, grey velour.

The dashboard is finished in a glossy looking burr walnut veneer which fills the usually open dash treatment familiar to Mini owners and enthusiasts. Ahead of the driver is a raised panel housing the three white on grey gauges. These consist of a speedometer, tachometer and multi-function gauge in the centre. The passenger side benefits from a solid wooden lidded glove box. In the centre the original Clarion radio cassette head unit is fitted with the familiar Mini switch panel sited underneath it. A three spoke, leather steering wheel with red inner stitching is fitted.

The walnut veneer extends into the top of the door cards as well as finishing the chunky grab handles. The grey, blue carpets are well fitted and, of course, in a fine overall condition. The inner side of the quality hood is finished with a slightly textured, black headliner.

The compact boot is accessed via the familiar bottom hinged boot lid. The floor of the boot is protected with a fitted, black vinyl liner. The full-sized, Revolution alloy spare wheel stows vertically behind a protective panel. The jack and tools are also present here.

The Lamm cars were based on Mini Cooper specification cars which featured the bigger 1,275cc, inline four-cylinder petrol engine. This unit was rated at around 60bhp and 67 Ib-ft of torque. Power is fed to the front wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. All this sounds terribly timid by today’s ever burgeoning standards, but this is a light car. Very light with a kerb weight of around 695 kg, this endows the little car with a 12 second 0-60mph time and a top speed of over 90mph. In true Mini fashion, however, it will seem a lot faster and grin-inducing in person.

Given the car’s remarkable background it hasn’t yet got as far as having a service history. However, mindful of its extended period of dry storage it has recently been fully mechanically reconditioned. This work included a full service, a new petrol seal and sender and two new suspension cones. A new battery has also been fitted so this little Mini is ready to go when you are.

As alluded to previously, there isn’t too much in the way of paperwork as this car has not required servicing and maintenance in the usual fashion given its lack of use. The current V5 is present in the name of the owner and the car is current registered as SORN.

The invoices associated with the little Mini’s recent recommissioning are all present, however, documenting all the work done and the associated costs.

To all intents and purposes this is a Mini that in auto parts terms would be termed as “NOS” - new old stock. However, despite its 32-year age, the word “old” seems entirely inappropriate when applied to this remarkable car. It was always pretty special being one of just 75 beautifully converted, equipped and specified Minis. The fact that it exhibits little more than delivery mileage all these years later must mark it out a collectors’ car with few equals.

Ignoring the car’s unique history, it is a lovely looking chunk of a car with its nicely resolved body kit, sparkling livery and sublime wide alloy wheels. If you love a classic Mini, and who doesn’t, then this must be a dream ownership opportunity for you. Be sure not to miss this one as who knows if another as good even exists.

We estimate that this superb time-warp Mini will sell for between £25,000-£35,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.