| Beautifully Restored 1966 Austin Mini Red, White Top & Black Interior with Red Welting - Lovely "Re-bodied” Mini Rebuilt 1275 cc Engine and Transaxle; Over $20K Spent in Past 5 Years "Turn-Key” & Ready to Cruise, Rally, Show, and Enjoy _________________________________ Summary The Mini is a small economy car made by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors beginning in August 1959. The original is considered a British icon of the 1960s. Its space-saving transverse engine/front-wheel drive layout, allowing 80 percent of the area of the car's floor-pan to be used for passengers and luggage, influenced a generation of car makers. This distinctive two-door car was designed for BMC by Sir Alec Issigonis. The performance versions, the Mini Cooper and Cooper "S", were successful as rally cars, winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965, and 1967. This particular 1966 Mini bears VIN AA2S7L719073A as evidenced by the firewall mounted data plate (VIN plate). The most recent two owners have been residents of Northern California. The car is currently registered with a clear, transferrable California title though May 2017. The current odometer reading of 13,029 miles must be considered "Total Miles Unknown” (TMU) based on the vintage of the car. It is apparent that this Mini has undergone considerable changes / improvements during its life. While the car's history beyond the previous two owners is not known, some of the upgrades will be apparent to Mini aficionados. The car received the benefit of a later model interior, a replacement and improved engine and what appears to be a newer/replacement body and trim. As a 1966, the car would have had external hinges and different exterior trim but now enjoys the benefits of updated features. Specifically, the old sliding windows have been replaced by more usable roll-up windows that seal tightly and allow for considerably better ventilation. The quality of the car is considerably better than the older Minis that we have owned and driven and this car is tight, quick, and responsive. A significant amount of over $20,000.00 has been spent by the past two owners in the last 5 years restoring and upgrades performed on this Mini. Much of the work involved the highly respected Mini experts at Seven Enterprises Ltd. in Auburn, CA. The original engine has been replaced with a rebuilt 1275 cc engine and a rebuilt 4-speed manual transaxle. Measured compression is 180 to 190 psi on all 4 cylinders. The oil cooler, alternator, distributor, spark plugs, fan blade/shroud, exhaust header, and timing chain are all new. The carburetor has been rebuilt and the radiator has been cleaned. The rear brake pads and cylinders have been replaced and a disc conversion kit has been installed on the front at a total cost over $2K. Both the clutch and brake master cylinders have been rebuilt. New shock absorbers have been installed. The wheels are new Minilite 4.5 x 10 alloys with Mini center caps. Tires are Yokohama A-800 ADVAN HF 155/70R10 with 6 to 7/32” remaining tread. The full size spare has a new tire with the tread sticker still in place. The receipts for ongoing maintenance and performance upgrades are too extensive to summarize but document all of the above repairs, and more, over the course of the last several years. The interior was completely redone in high quality black material with red piping in 2011, at a cost of $2500. The front and rear seats, headliner, door panels, package tray, sun visors, and carpeting were all included. For safety, black 3-point seat belts have been installed in the front. Considerable work was also done on all gauges including a new fuel sending unit and new oil and temperature gauges. The rear window includes an electric defogger. The steering wheel is an attractive wood rim with 3-spokes and a Mini center cap. The body is very straight and rust-free. No rust is noted in the typical locations including the rocker panels, bottoms of the doors, trunk area and engine compartment. Both the white roof paint and red body paint are in lovely condition with high gloss / brilliance. There are some touched-up defects on the left front fender/cowl plus a defect on the right front of the white top. The rear hatch just above the license plate light has 3 very small holes where a factory logo appears to have been placed at one time. Both bumpers and the grille are excellent. Two new, functional, driving lights have been installed above the front bumper. Both headlights and tail lights are in excellent condition. New, high quality black outside rear view mirrors are in place. Fender flares are factory black plastic in excellent condition. All glass is excellent and the windshield has been recently replaced. The wheels are free from curb rash and very attractive. The all black interior with red piping is very nice. All four seats are excellent as are both door panels, the headliner and the carpet. Both windows roll easily. All gauges, the windshield wipers and all lights work as designed. The engine compartment is very tidy, detailed and reflects the considerable work that has been performed on the Mini. The engine is painted the proper green color, and bears a Leyland ST sticker on the valve cover. The owner states the car does not "drip a drop”; a rarity for British cars and, yes, we checked and the crankcase is full! The newly black carpeted trunk is tidy and contains a Die Hard battery, a new full size spare, and a proper Mini jack and handle. The underside of the car is rust free and "California” clean. The car's mechanical history shows care by previous owners, and professional maintenance by knowledgeable Mini and British car technicians. It is obvious that the car has not been subject to repairs by amateur mechanics in home garages. Once underway, the car's performance advantage over any stock Mini, including a 1275 cc, becomes apparent. The car is very quick and pulls strong through every gear. There are no unusual noises from the engine or drive-line. The syncromesh gearbox operates as designed and the short shift kit makes a significant difference in drivability and the car's gearing allows for spritely low end driving and the ability to cruise on today's freeway system with no strain. Handling is far superior to most Minis that we have owned resulting in flat, confidence building cornering / handling. With the strong, fresh, 1275+ cc engine, there are no longer worries about traveling longer distances in that underpowered 850cc or 1098cc Mini. This Mini is an ideal "driver” and is "turn-key” ready. Even though some upgraded components have been installed, (receipts provided), the car has never been tracked and has been owned by mature adults who used the car as a weekend, occasional car. Actually, the owner who resides in our small town has used it for a drive to and from work on a beautiful California day. Perhaps most important, this Mini is a great driving car and is ready for a new owner to drive and enjoy without the need for a lengthy and costly restoration. Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451
Terms & Conditions
Thank You & Happy Bidding Classic Cars Ltd. |
Sellers: Get your own map today. Click here now. Simple."
1963 Morris Mini Cooper Classic 1275 cc not austin mini or leyland mini
1981 Austin Mini Cooper 1000 Classic Mini Vintage Mini
Right Hand Drive, rebuilt engine, new paint - great looking Austin Mini
1978 CLASSIC MINI COOPER LHD 1275 ENGINE GREAT FLORIDA CAR
1983 Austin Rover Mini Classic Mini Mini Cooper
Left hand drive 1986 Mini Chelsea Price includes shipping to USA. Super Mini
Austin Mini, Classic Mini, British Mini
1968 Austin Mini Classic Mini Mini Cooper