Fun and nimble, the Mini is a British legend that is often found with a right hand drive configuration, unlike this German spec car. Oriented as a left hand drive machine, I am sure this car is equally as fun to drive. In survivor grade condition, this Mini appears to be a very solid find, which can often be quite rare with the vintage models for sure. If you have yet to own a Mini, I highly recommend it. This could be your chance for $8,900. Check it out here on craigslist out of Memphis, Tennessee. Thanks to Rocco for sharing this not so commonly configured British pocket rocket!
For many of us, seeing the steering wheel on the left side is a bit of an odd view. The great news about this Mini is that it is in very reasonable original condition. With obvious damage, the interior presents very well, needing basically nothing. Although a joy for its humble minimalism, it would be nice to have a radio to listen to when driving around.
Although you would never want to sit here, the back seat area is also in nice shape with only minor wrinkling to the vinyl upholstery.
With a great 20 foot appearance, the overall patina on this Mini isn’t bad, but this isn’t exactly a show winner either. The seller claims this mini is original other than the wheels, and radiator. Also he mentions that there is no hidden rust. There is no apparent rot on this Mini, but there is an odd finish above the rear bumper that almost looks like fine surface rust. It is difficult to make out. The paint still holds some reflective quality, but would likely benefit from a good buff. Also there is a scratch on the passenger fender that looks like it needs to be buffed, or touched up. All in all this is a great driver condition car that will be an absolute ball to drive in its left hand drive configuration. Have you ever driven a left hand drive Mini before?
Mini Coopers were really neat cars. I believe the Cooper “S”, was the one to have with it’s 1275 engine. This, seems to have the 997cc engine ( 1000 badge on back) and is a pretty basic one. Didn’t see many Coopers, but the ones I saw were all left hand drive. These things weighed like 1400 lbs. so any engine mods, and there are a bunch, made a big difference. I drag raced a Cooper S once with my MGB, he dusted me, when I asked if he’d trade even up, he said no way. It’s exciting to watch them race, lifting the inside rear wheels on corners. Very cool car.
A few weeks I ran our Mini 998 on the Hotrod Power Tour. At the stop at Indianapolis Raceway Park I drag raced a Bugeye Sprite. He bested me by 0.14 seconds when it was all said and done. It was silly good fun and I would recommend a Mini to anyone into fun, odd cars. I was impressed by how well the car did on the tour. It cruised right along.
I’m with you, Rube. Very cool car that would really haul @$$. To me there is only one mini, the old pre BMW ones. Good luck to the new owner!!
Cheers
GPC
My 1963 Austin Mini Cooper (997cc, non “S” but still, a Cooper) was left hand drive. The cars they sold in this country were all left hand drive. The ones seen all the time now with right hand drive were brought over here from right hand drive markets, mostly England. I believe this one is also a Mk.III, so the third generation of the original Mini. They were way more fun than you should be allowed to have. My ‘63 was a first series car. A teensy bit smaller, without the squared off grille and with smaller tail lights.
Why wouldn’t one want to sit in the back seat of a mini? It’s not at all roomy, but it is not uncomfortable, at least on short drives. Museum visitors are always surprised at how roomy the mini is and have no problem crawling into the back seat to go for a ride. https://www.calautomuseum.org/events
All mini 1000 models had 998cc 970 being hot cooper engine not as rare as 1070 but very desirable. They are fantastic cars I live in Canada and have 61 mini van 850cc with pudding stirrer shift. Also 64 with 1275 A plus from Mg Metro 1970 mini 998 pickup and 2003 JCW (John Cooper Works) new mini more fun than anything else all Left Hand Drive.
Do you have any pics of your mini’s
Had a 1964 with the 850 cc in the late 60’s. LHD was a blast to drive. With a heavy snowfall in MN the rear would just float .Did a milage test with 3 passengers ,ran out the gas, dumped 1 gallon in & went 50 miles..
Check the chassis number to ensure that this is a UK built car.
Authi in Spain made a lot of LHD Minis, and while every bit as good as the UK built cars, they don´t have quite the same values.
I have a LHD Minivan with a 60 hp 1275 engine. Weighs nothing and is hilarious. Vibrates somewhat…..
Minis were also built in Italy, under licence, with the Innocent moniker
Nice car but the left hand drive is a killer.
Nope
Oh wait. Its ok. Its right hand drive I dislike.
Buy it.
n
Oh wait. I got that wrong.
Its right hand drive I hate.
Go ahead and buy it.😁