Registration No: 129 FUO
Chassis No: WMA23441812
MOT: Exempt

• In current ownership the last 27 years, and having covered just 95 miles over this period
• Just 79,165 miles on the odometer
• Subject to long-term restoration starting in 2002, and completed between 2006 and 2010.

Launched in the summer of 1959 as Sir Alec Issigonis's sideswipe at the bubble car which had swept through Europe in the late 1950s, the Mini was truly a revolutionary car. Packing a remarkable amount of interior space into its 10ft length by placing its 'A' series engine sideways from 'east to west' in the engine bay, the practicalities which had dominated its design concept seemed almost accidentally to produce a small car which on its rubber-cone suspension and 10-inchwheels was remarkable fun to drive. Possessing light and incredibly accurate steering, minimal bodyroll and tremendous grip the Mini was described by the contemporary motoring press as the first car in which there was no need to slow down for corners! The Mini featured many of Issigonis's personal design quirks, for instance there was no provision for a radio as he did not agree with them and he believed the famous 'bus-driver' driving position kept the driver alert by preventing him/her getting too comfortable! Launched in BMC tradition as both an Austin (the Seven, or 'Se7en' in contemporary advertising) and a Morris (Mini-Minor) it was the 'Mini' name that stuck in the long term. Although had original marketing plans to call the Austin version the 'Newmarket' succeeded then this could perhaps have been very different! Sales were initially sluggish but the Mini's rapid acceptance amongst the elite as 'the' car to be seen in soon saw this overcome and by 1963 it had dislodged the Ford Anglia to become the best-selling car in the UK.

This particular example benefits from being a De-Luxe variant of the Morris Mini Minor. First registered on 01 September 1960, little is known of the early life of ‘129 FUO’, until it was purchased by a Malcolm John Sheas of Brixham in September 1993. Sheas would own the car for just shy of four years, before it was sold to the current owner on 07 August 1997, at that time showing just 79,070 miles on the odometer.

In October 2002, the car was subject to a long term restoration with Colin Groom, with photographs in the history file showing the car before, during and once completed. This restoration lasted until at least February 2006 and perhaps later, with photographs of the finished car presented in the attractive shade of Maroon with two-tone Red and Grey interior dated 2010.

Since its purchase, the car has been used sparingly and stored in a dry garage. To be exact, just 95 miles over the last 27 years. Now showing 79,165 miles on the odometer, the car still presents well, although would benefit from a recommissioning service ready for its new owner. Offered for sale for somebody else to enjoy and due to the sad passing of the long term owner, this presents a rare opportunity to acquire a long term ownership, low miles, early model year Mini in a lovely colour combination.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07929 363573