1973 Mini Classic Mini

1000 -

4 - Cyl.

Manual

WA2S1N591329A

Gasoline

The Original: 1973 Austin Mini MK III When discussing automobile icons, the list of candidates is rather short. Most prominent examples would be the Mercedes Gullwing, the Porsche 911, the Volkswagen Beetle, and of course, the original Austin Mini. It all started with this sketch, drawn on a tablecloth in a pub, back in 1956. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A small car, seemingly bigger on the inside than the outside, with enough room for four adults and luggage. Quick, nimble, and thrifty. Perfect for inner-city traffic. Its designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, affectionately called it Mini. Production of the BMC Mini started in August 1959, a time when tail-finned behemoths ruled the streets of the New World. Yet the Mini was an instant hit and, being so small and so much fun to drive, would become one of the most successful car designs of all time. In the guise of the now legendary Cooper, it would even conquer the grueling Rally Monte Carlo four times in a row (from 1964 to 1967)! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1973 Mini 1000 Mark III presented here, VIN *WA2S1N591329A*, is the genuine article. Offically, BMC exported very few Minis to the United States, from 1960 to 1967 only. Classic Minis offered for sale today are for the most part right-hand-drive examples from "down under" in need of restoration, or post-1975 models that have been--illegally--backdated with questionable paperwork to avoid U.S. regulations. Buyer beware! On the other hand, this fine example was sold new in Germany, back in 1973. It's a matching numbers Mini, comes with a clear California Certificate of Title, and 100% guaranteed to be the real thing. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Let's now inspect this Mini in more detail, starting up front, with the engine compartment. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view The small but potent 998cc 4-cylinder engine resides in a very clean environment. According to the car's prior owner, all mechanical systems were addressed as needed. New parts dominate the picture, including a brand new, heavy-duty radiator. On February 24, 2011, our mechanic took a compression check, and the results are truly excellent and as follows: Cylinder 1: 150 lbs. Cylinder 2: 145 lbs. Cylinder 3: 143 lbs. Cylinder 4: 150 lbs. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Compared to the oh-so-hip NEW MINI by BMW, the original Austin/Morris Mini is a dwarf car. Just 120 inches long, it weighs less than half as much as its Bavarian successor. (The NEW MINI outweighs a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback, by the way.) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Mini wears the very popular color combination of Old English White with a black roof. The car has been carefully refinished, to a very good standard; there are no imperfections such as dings, dents, bumps, scratches, nicks, or chips to bemoan. Bumpers and grille are beautiful; they look new because they are new. In fact, all glass, brightwork, and weatherstripping is in fabulous condition. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Another clear indicator of a real vintage Mini are its wheels and tires. If you see anything bigger than ten inches in diameter, be alarmed! All Minis built before 1980 came with 10" wheels and there is no reason to convert an early car to larger wheels. In fact, the small wheels are an essential part of the fun ride, just inches above the ground! This Mini is equipped with the very desirable REVOLUTION-style aluminum alloy wheels, as found on many competition models. Tires are near brand new FALKEN FK-07E high speed radials of the dimension 165/70R-10 with a H (up to 130mph/210kmh) speed rating. That should do. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Now, let's take a look inside. Wow, this is one spacious cabin! Mini truly is a minimalist car: it provides everything you need, nothing you don't. In doing so, it is a very practical vehicle. The ingeniously designed, transversely mounted engine driving the front wheels means no transmission tunnel to take up valuable interior space. You are 6'5" tall? Yes, you will fit! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The iconic, mid-mount Cooper instrument binnacle. Yes, all of the gauges and warning lights work flawlessly! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Simple does not have to be spartan. Mini is legendary for being comfortable, too. Seats are well-stuffed, and Mini's suspension, another Alec Issigonis stroke of genius, using rubber cones with progressive spring rates, keeps the ride smooth at all time, even with four Sumo wrestlers aboard. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Pristine headliner and sun visors. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) There is plenty of room in the rear. Black vinyl bench is in excellent condition. Black carpeting throughout looks new. Note the pop out opening rear side windows! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for a test drive? So are we, but before we leave, let's have a good look at trunk and undercarriage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Everything is clean and free of rust or damage. There is a recessed section for the spare--which is MIA--and the battery lives back here, too--another ingenious detail to lower the center of gravity and improve handling. Of great importance is a rust free undercarriage. Most Minis, with their exposed bellies so close to the ground and insufficient factory corrosion protection, have a lot to hide in this area. This one is the exception to the rule. Everything looks clean and solid; there's no rust to be found anywhere. You couldn't poke holes in this Mini's floors with an ice pick! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Thursday, March 3 turned out to be a nice, sunny day in Ventura County and we were eager to put the Mini through its paces. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Naturally, driving an original Mini is a unique experience. Riding inches above the tarmac, Mini handles like a Go-Kart, entirely unimpressed by gravitational forces. It jumps lanes, squeezes into the smallest spaces, and surges forward with the fearless determination of a giant. Mini's secret is its outstanding power-to-weight ratio. Combined with its exemplary handling, even a contemporary Porsche 911 might not be able to keep pace once the roads get twisty. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Visibility in all directions is superb, and the attention you receive is priceless. Everybody loves the Mini. It's a true icon of the swingin' Sixties! Everything works on this little car, from the emergency brake to the windshield wipers and all the lights. It even has a functioning heater, just the blower motor is silent. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) In a world of fakes and rusted hulks, finding a genuine Mini that has been lovingly refurbished is something to embrace. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Despite being produced in substantial numbers in the 1960s and 1970s, there are precious few unmolested, matching numbers survivors today. An authentic, 38 year-old Austin Mini, nicely refurbished all around (while benefitting from the owner's "open checkbook" attitude) is a rare find, indeed. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Behold the Mini! In a world of gas prices rising daily to new record levels, owning a car that not only gets 40 miles per gallon but lots of smiles per gallon, too, might be your smartest decision of the decade. You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000.00 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2011 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author. E-mail inquiries to the webmaster@californiaclassix.com.