1971 AUSTIN MINI 1000

This 1971 Austin Mini 1000 MkIII is a prime example of the British icon, sporting a handsome colour scheme and low indicated mileage for a vehicle that’s been on the road for nearly 50 years. Its 1.0-litre four-cylinder petrol motor produces a modest 39bhp, though the Mini weighs in at a mere 620kg. The power is transmitted to the front wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The odometer shows 56,097 miles.

First registered in June 1971, six previous registered keepers are displayed on the Mini’s log book, and the current owner has enjoyed the vehicle for two-and-a-half years. The vendor notes the car was originally supplied to Wadham Stringer LTD in Taunton and features a commission number plaque in the engine bay.

The Mini is believed to retain its original bodywork to the best of the owner’s knowledge, and the El Paso Beige paintwork remains in good condition. The two front wings have previously been resprayed, but otherwise he believes the finish is original. The vehicle has been modified to add 10-inch Rose Petal alloy wheels, which complement the Mini’s character superbly and remain in excellent condition.

The interior of the vehicle also presents well. The carpets, door cards, seats and headliner are reported to be original, while the dashboard was recently reupholstered using high quality trimmed parts from Newton Commercial and Optimise Automotive. The vehicle has also been fitted with a DSN interior handle kit. The driver has reported no faults with any interior controls or electrics, and no switchgear faults or warning lights are present.

The last full service was undertaken at Surrey Auto Works in June 2020, where the engine oil, brake master cylinder, fluid and front and rear wheel bearings were changed. The vendor notes they carried out the prior two minor services at home, including engine oil, filter, spark plug and HT lead changes, as well as a thorough carburettor clean.

Other work in the last few years includes a new clutch and fitment of a Fletcher performance radiator in 2018, as well as recent replacements of the wheel bearings, dynamo, clutch arm and slave cylinders. The vendor notes a Mainflow Stage One exhaust kit has also been fitted.

This vehicle is exempt from an annual MOT test on the basis of age, with last test taking place on 5 June 2018, which resulted in a pass with an advisory to monitor slight surface corrosion on the underside. The vendor notes the vehicle is fitted with new, matching Yokohama AO32R tyres all round.

Included with the vehicle is the original Mini 1000 handbook, a good service history file, and the original tool kit.

This 1971 Austin Mini 1000 is a sympathetically upgraded and thoroughly characterful example of a British classic, featuring well-preserved bodywork and a highly original interior. The vehicle has been lovingly looked after by a classic Mini enthusiast, who has invested time and money into maintaining this charming icon.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.