1959 MORRIS MINI MK1 850 DULUXE

This Morris Mini Mk1 is a remarkable survivor from the very first year of production of this iconic classic, and is among the earliest examples built – chassis numbering started at ‘101’, and this is chassis ‘1977’. Under the bonnet is a freshly rebuilt 848cc A-series inline-four, giving a new lease of life to this ‘time warp’ car, driving the front wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The car is believed to be a low-mileage example, though the indicated mileage of 31,833 miles cannot be warranted.

While it was demonstrated to the media in early 1959, the Mini was officially launched on 26 August that year, and this car was completed in late September. Per the BMIHT certificate copy of the factory record, it rolled off the production line in right-hand drive and in DeLuxe specification, finishing in Cherry Red. It was first registered on 8 October 1959, and is believed to retain its original Middlesbrough registration mark.

The DVLA records officially show three keepers, with the vendor being the fourth owner on paper, but it appears that the car may have another former owner from earlier in its life as well, though this would pre-date the DVLA’s data switchover. What is certainly known is that the person who acquired the car in June 1974 kept it for 40 years until he passed away in 2014, thereafter being transferred into his son-in-law’s name.

It is believed to have remained off the road for many years since the late 1990s, and while the 31,833 indicated miles cannot be guaranteed as the correct figure, it is thought to be a low-mileage car - it certainly presents in highly original condition. During the vendor’s ownership, the car has received an engine rebuild, so that it now runs sweetly and reliably.

As a very early car, this Morris Mini features the large recessed floor pans, front and rear screens that sit slightly proud, and a body shell that is reportedly around 50kg lighter than later cars. Other notable original features of this ‘first series’ run include the sought-after original glass windscreen water bottle, which has been removed to keep it safely stored; a flat-top radiator; pressed steel oil filler cap; and a brass screw in the SU carburettor cover. There are also slightly longer front and rear bumpers, one-hole window glass, no drain holes in the roof gutter strips, and riveted press steel wheels with DeLuxe wheel trims. Inside, it retains the correct early seats with black vinyl and grey ‘flecked’ facings, and with a wider panel in the centre – a particular feature of the very early Morris cars.

Today, the car presents in remarkably original condition, and it sports the correct Cherry Red factory colour. It is believed to have been resprayed either partially or fully in the past, and now has a charming patina with a dulled finish across most of the car, and with flaked paint and chips in a few places. It is never believed to have suffered from any accident damage, though does have a small dent in the offside rear quarter panel. There are some chips and surface corrosion visible on the painted steel wheels, but the 10-hole DeLuxe wheel trims all present very well for their age.

The interior is believed to be entirely original, with the upholstery having been generally well preserved. There are of course some marks and discolouration across the seat covers, and some visible wear commensurate with the indicated mileage, but there is no unsightly rips or other damage to the trim. The simple dashboard is in good order, with its central Smiths speedometer working correctly - though the odometer is likely faulty, given the reading was the same on the 1998 MOT test. Its headlining has age-related marks and wear, but again there is no significant damage to the material. The vendor also notes that the door rubber on the driver’s side is worn.

Its last maintenance was a full engine rebuild in January 2021, carried out by leading specialist, the Dorchester Mini Centre. The motor was disassembled, the block was machined, it was fitted with new liners and rebored, and had new main and bottom end bearings. A new AC Dodd camshaft with new bearings was installed, along with an AC Dodd zero tolerance oil pump. New pistons were installed, along with new core plugs and oilways, and the primary gear was rebushed. A replacement flywheel was machined and balanced with a new clutch kit. The engine was put back together, with all main motor and ancillary items repainted in the original colours. The original crankshaft and flywheel have been retained, and are included in the sale.

The new camshaft was properly run-in, and the rebuilt engine was then given an initial run-in process over approximately 100 miles in three hours. The engine should be run in for a further period at a steady pace until around 32,333 miles, and it remains covered against mechanical failure until January 2022.

Prior to this, it was also seen by the Dorchester Mini Centre in June 2020, when some brake and suspension components were renewed, including a new bushing kit. The fuel pump, ignition coil, points, rotor arm, ignition leads and distributor cap were also replaced.

While it is exempt from mandatory testing on the basis of age, it nevertheless went through an MOT test on 2 June 2020. Having initially failed a week earlier due to an insufficient parking brake, this was rectified; and the Mini then passed with advisories regarding damage to the nearside rear tyre, smoke from the engine under acceleration, and a defect note for an insecure battery carrier. With the exception of the tyre, the other items were all subsequently attended to at the Dorchester Mini Centre as described above.

Accompanying this Morris Mini is the BMIHT certificate that confirms the build date and specification, plus a file of paperwork, some of which dates back to the 1960s - including various registration, insurance, and maintenance documents. There are also some old tax discs dating back to the 1970s, plus previous MOT certificates. Its original glass washer bottle, which was removed for safety, is also included; along with other parts as mentioned above.

This Morris Mini Mk1 850 DeLuxe is an impressively original car, boasting a desirable ‘first series’ 1959 build date. Many features were changed from early 1960 onwards, and some early cars have since been modified with later components. However, this Mini remains true to its factory build, and as such is likely to appeal to knowledgeable marque collectors in particular. As one of the earliest examples of a car that has become a worldwide automotive icon, this Mini represents an unmissable opportunity to acquire a charming classic with a stunning patina.

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