1962 Austin MINI

An ex-South African example, this 1962 Austin Mini 850 has had just two owners from new, the last having had it since 1973. With a NOVA in place alongside the MOT certificate, it’s a sweet little thing that’s clearly had some paint in the past but from the condition of the panels and the underside, we think this was probably due to faded paintwork rather than rust.  The new owner will need to apply for a V5 from the DVLA.

Driving very well (“I struggled to keep up with it” according to the chase car who followed it being driven up to us) it is charmingly original, offering the canny enthusiast the chance to add value as they tidy it up.

Being offered with no reserve, it’ll sell from the very first bid, too. So, if you’ve always promised yourself an easy winter project, this classic Mini might be right up your street.

The blue and white coachwork looks great. Clearly not sporting entirely original paint, we’ve taken a good look over and under it and agree with the vendor that we don’t think the paintwork was done to sort corrosion issues.

The panel fit is decent and there’s a distinct lack of dents, dinks and other damage to the main panels. The sills look strong and straight and the overall impression is of a solid and nicely preserved car. There is light bubbling along some of the panel seams, which is certainly not extensive, but something the new owner will likely wish to address at some point.

The chromework is, frankly, a little dented and wonky in places but then it’s original and that originality allows the new owner to take the car in whichever direction they prefer. The chrome grille, on the other hand, looks worse than it is as there are only a couple of bars to straighten.

The ten-inch painted steel wheels look good, and they’re shod with matching 145/80R10 Dunlop SP11 tyres, all of which look to be new so still have plenty of tread.

As we will never tire of explaining, our experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

The blue and white vinyl seats look to be in a good original condition. The outer front corner of both front seats have an attractive and unusual cloth/towelling material on them, which isn’t something we see very often.

Both they and the rear seats do have some splits in them but their condition does mean that the new owner is free to take their own path, either maintaining their originality by leaving them as they are or replacing or refurbishing them.

The door cards are good, with no obvious damage or significant wear to them, although the passenger door handle is missing. The odd small area has come adrift but rectifying this would be straightforward and within the capabilities of even the most ham-fisted of DIYers.

The steering wheel and headlining are both scruffy and heavily patinated, but the carpets are good. A highlight for us is the Sanyo ‘Rally’ radio, which probably sounds awful but looks amazing. The ‘Champion’ water temperature gauge is another nice touch, and one that probably earned its keep under the hot South African sun.

The boot is scruffy but solid. It’s also home to the battery, spare wheel and tool kit.

The paintwork under the bonnet is good, and while the odd component is a little rusty and could do with repainting, the overall effect is pleasing to the eye.

The underside looks to be utterly solid even if it does have some surface corrosion. However, this could be easily sorted out with a wire brush and a pot of decent rust-inhibiting underseal.

A new exhaust system has been fitted along with what looks like a new electric fuel pump.

It starts well, but the idle and initial throttle response proves a little lumpy until some heat has been generated. It drives very well indeed once warmed up, feeling remarkably sprightly given the humble 850cc engine .

The Mini’s MOT certificate, which is valid until September 2021, was gained without a single advisory point.

It has a NOVA letter and the South African logbook, both of which will make obtaining a UK V5 registration document straightforward.

Sadly, it has no other paperwork, something that isn’t at all uncommon with imported cars but this does mean that potential bidders should set their limits based on its current condition rather than being able to rely on a comprehensive paper trail to gauge its state.

So, if you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

The word that keeps coming up when we talk about this car is ‘sweet’ – and that’s worth something when you’re considering a classic because if it doesn’t make you happy then you’re not going to enjoy your time with it as much as you should.

The other thing that keeps striking us is the absence of rust, and this is should be a much more significant factor in your thinking than the somewhat scruffy interior; more projects falter due to serious corrosion than anything else and this one’s remarkably well-preserved metalwork means the car’s new owner has a head start over anyone buying a rusty example for a few quid less.

Not that this one will be especially expensive at between £5,000 and £8,000. Even better, it is being offered with no reserve so will sell from the very first bid, no matter how derisory that sum might be.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; 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’.