1959 Austin Mini - Fully Restored, Highly Correct, First Year, Classic Lhd Mini on 2040-cars

1959 Austin Mini “The First Year Mini” fully restored, very original, excellent condition

Most of us think of Healeys or Sprite when we hear the name “Austin”, but actually, one of the most important models to come from the Austin factory was the original Mini, the very first iteration of these legendary automobiles. In fact, Alec Issigonis’s tiny Mini sedan can lay claim to being one of the most significant automobile designs of the 20th Century. The simple design broke all the rules, what with its transverse-mounted, four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, transmission in the sump, a wheel at each corner, and suspension by simple rubber cones. Today’s incredibly popular modern Mini owes its heritage and success to the early Minis, which these newer cars were unabashedly designed after. The very latest ones, the Countryman and Paceman, stray from this heritage to their own detriment.)

Costing only $1,340, the 1959 Mini also offered surprising interior space at only 10 feet long, and its 33-hp, 848-cc engine could manage 40 mpg when driven carefully. In one step, Issigonis had replaced every three-wheeled microcar, as well as every motorcycle and sidecar, with a real family sedan. It was a stroke of genius and led to his knighthood, as the success of the Mini significantly contributed to the UK’s economy.

Minis were originally badged as Austin Se7en (not a typo) and Morris Mini Minor, but soon they were just known as Minis. These very early cars have a cache of their own, and are sought after by collectors. Their charm was in basic functionality – pull-string or lever door openers, “bucket” door pockets, sliding windows, a shelf instead of a dashboard and a single big speedometer with integrated gas gauge in the center. Their collectability derives from being an important, classic design in its purest, unadulterated form. (I am a collector of various makes, and have found that invariably the first (and often the last) of a particular design ends up being the most desirable.)

This “A” series Austin Mini is registered as a 1959 and the Serial Number supports its age and configuration; it is a Mark 1 that was built for export in left hand drive (not a conversion, which would lessen its value). It is painted in Speedwell Blue, one of the only three colors available in ’59. It has a contrasting white top, which also is period correct, and this particular color combo is the opening page of the “Essential Mini Cooper”, an authoritative book among the hundreds written about this iconic car.

The car has been thoroughly restored with new floors, fresh paint, rebuilt and detailed engine compartment, excellent chrome and a fresh interior. The seat covers are appropriate for the car, but not precisely the original pattern. I have other cars like this where I am reluctant to replace a perfectly fine interior because it is not exactly correct. I did it once, and regret wasting the money. In any case, Mini interiors are inexpensive to redo, so it’s really a non-issue.  

Mechanically, the engine and gearbox, steering and suspension are excellent, surprising for a 40 hp car. The handling is go-kart precise, and the most fun to drive. The car has very little sound insulation from new, so it sounds (and drives) more like a sports car than a passenger car. (I have a modern ‘09 Clubman JCW and it’s so noisy, the Bluetooth doesn’t work.)

Although I know this is a ’59, and see most of the ’59 telltale attributes present on this car, I can’t say it is 100% as original, because I am not sufficiently knowledgeable to know every last nuance. But whatever needs to be done for total originality is minor and simple. For example, this car is shod with Mini-lite Mags, a Mini option as common in the day as Crager S/S or American Mags are on 60’s muscle cars. There is a hotter coil, a non-original filter, etc. On the other hand, the tires are brand new, the car was just tuned, all fluids changed, so she’s ready to go and drives like a sport.

If you’re wondering why I’m selling; I have three Minis, and three’s a crowd. Since this was the last one I purchased, I’m the least attached to it, much as I have grown to love it. So bid confidently, and while I’m still acting rationally (or not) by selling this unique Mini.

Please call Michael at 631 553 5300.