Registration - R819 XOA

Chassis No. - SAXXNWAZEWD154900

M.O.T. - May 2025

Odometer - 38,287

Perfectly presented in pearlescent purple, this late-example of the classic Mini is offered at No Reserve, and uses Rover’s 1.3-litre multi-point injection (MPi) engine, just one of a huge range of improvements made to the roll-out version of the beloved classic city car. The four-cylinder petrol unit is mated to a four-speed manual transmission, and both are reported to have been rebuilt by the hobbyist owner in 2021, though there is no documentation to support this as yet. The exterior features chrome trim for both the bumpers and the wheel arches, as well as quad spot lamps fitted. Inside, ‘R819 XOA’ has been upholstered in cream leather and tweed-inspired houndstooth cloth throughout; the cabin also features a wood veneer dashboard and classic white dials, behind the chunky Mini steering wheel.

Fitted with quad spot lamps, ‘R819 XOA’ has also seen the Mini Sport kit installed after-market, which includes the Minilite-style alloy wheels. Additional work has seen a new rear subframe and new servo installed according to the current owner, who has had the Mini in their care for the last 12 years. They have kept ‘R819 XOA’ in a warm, dry garage when not in use, and has been tailored behind a camper van for many of the last dozen years when used - the purpose-built trailer could be purchased too. Regularly and near constantly maintained, the Mini’s engine and transmission are considered as in ‘excellent’ condition by the present owner, while the paint is thought of as ‘average’ and the interior, bodywork, and electrics rated as ‘good’.

With the reverberations of the 1956-1957 Suez Crisis felt worldwide, Leonard Lord lost little time in commissioning Alec Issigonis to begin work on a radical small car project. Apart from the constraint of using existing BMC mechanical assemblies, and a brief to house four adults plus their luggage within as small a space as possible, the brilliant Issigonis was given carte blanche. His response was the now legendary Mini. Launched in 1959, it featured an ingenious transverse-mounted powertrain (with engine sat atop the gearbox), all-round independent 'rubber cone' suspension, front-wheel drive and compact rack and pinion steering, the newcomer was a packaging masterpiece; not to mention one of the most influential automotive designs ever conceived. In 1996, the Mk VII version was launched – the final variant of the original shape Mini. To meet various safety and emissions standards, wide-reaching changes were made, including twin-point fuel injection, full-width dashboard, and driver’s airbag. It lasted until October 2000, by which time more than 5.3 million models had rolled off the production line, helping make the Mini one of the most recognisable and loved cars around the world.

In summary:

• Late model Mini, fitted with 1.3 MPi engine
• Factory-specification pearlescent purple paint
• Well maintained and looked-after example