Buyer's fee : 5% of the hammer price
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Suisse, Genève
We are offering for sale this charming 1995 Mini 1300 British Open, ideal for weekend drives, city trips and for those who appreciate its undeniable charm. Its 1300cc engine offers more than enough power to take you around Lake Geneva and enjoy the fine weather thanks to its electric sunroof.
Its iconic design, universally recognised and admired, combined with its ease of driving, is sure to make you even happier!
This Mini was acquired in early 2021 by the current owner from a friend in Geneva. Currently in Geneva, it is for sale as the owner no longer requires a vehicle.
It has never been involved in an accident and has only 63,513 kilometres on it, verified by the anti-pollution logbook.
This Mini 1300 is just as suitable for people looking for a car that's ready to take to the road as it is for those who want to improve it both aesthetically and mechanically.
This vehicle has never been restored, so it is in its original condition. The bodywork shows its age and use, with one impact visible on the front grille and another on the bonnet. The rest of the bodywork has several small dents, notably between the front wings and the doors, as well as on the rear wings. They are all visible in the photos. The right-hand rear-view mirror is scratched. There are rust spots at the front headlight joints. The chrome is shiny and in good condition. The seals have faded a little but are still in very good condition.
The wheels are a little worn but still shiny.
Inside, the seats and door panels are not torn, and have no particular stains or significant signs of wear. The original oak steering wheel and dashboard have been very well preserved and remain in impeccable condition. On the other hand, the wood on the meter supports has cracked over time, as has the gear knob.
The soft top is in very good condition and works perfectly well. The fixed part of the roof lining is peeling off in several places.
Mechanically, a number of issues were raised at the time of the expert appraisal and should be addressed:
As for the underside of this little Mini, there are some very slight rust spots, but the chassis remains sound.
It was during the tumultuous Suez crisis of the 1950s, when carmakers were looking for economical travel solutions for the general public, that the British Motor Corporation (BMC) set about designing the Mini. With its front-wheel drive, this little car was built to rival the iconic cars of the time, such as the Beetle and the Fiat 500.
Despite its small size, the Mini seduced with its original design and technical innovations, such as the gearbox housed under the engine to optimize interior space. Its success was immediate. In 1959, when it was unveiled, it won the Dewar Trophy for automobile performance. It was even adopted by celebrities such as Enzo Ferrari, Steve McQueen, The Beatles and Brigitte Bardot.
In less than 10 years, the Mini Cooper, designed and built by John Cooper (then famous for his racing victories), racked up almost 40 rally victories worldwide. The Mini Cooper was built for the Monte Carlo Rally and went from 34 bhp to 52 bhp. After numerous successes, the same manufacturer presented the Mini Cooper S, reaching 160km/h with its 70hp!
In the 1960s, Mini came under the control of British Leyland. In 1968, a revised version called the Mini Clubman was launched. In the 1980s, production of the Mini Cooper ceased. Rover attempts a comeback in 1991, but the brand's difficult economic situation prevents it from recovering. The takeover of Rover by BMW in 1994 marked the beginning of a renaissance for the Mini.