1979 Austin Mini 1000 Saloon

1979 Austin Mini 1000 Saloon
Chassis no. XL25KN570842A
998cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
SU HS4 Sidedraft Carburetor
38bhp at 5250rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Rear Suspension, rubber damped
4-wheel Drum Brakes

*Based on the revolutionary Issigonis two-box, FWD design
*One of the most influential designs in automotive history
*As civilized as an older Mini can be!
*Extensively restored with custom paint

THE AUSTIN MINI 1000

BMC's Mini, was indeed that, a miniaturized four-seat monocoque two-door sedan that broke new ground in automotive design. In 1999, the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, behind the Ford Model T. Its space-saving, front-wheel drive layout allowed 80% of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage. Minis would become incredibly popular; their simple, two-box transverse engine-gearbox FWD design with 10-inch-diameter wheels tucked into its far corners would soon be adopted by many other manufacturers around the world. Sir Alec Issigonis would be knighted for his contribution to the industry.

From its launch in 1959 in 850cc form, over 5 million were built, with examples produced under the Austin, Wolseley, Rover, and Morris brands in England, Innocenti in Italy, and others in Latin America. By the early 1960s, hotted-up 970, 997, and 1275cc versions wearing John Cooper's label quickly found their way into race and rally competition, and an entire industry was created to support these delightful little cars. Scaling barely 1300 pounds, the smaller-engined standard Minis were not especially quick, but they could touch 85mph in 1-liter form and return as much as 50mpg, while competition versions were true 120mph beasts and many can be seen in vintage racing event today. The original Mini's image was so indelible that a modern, much larger version was brought to market by BMW, which acquired the Mini brand in 2000.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This charming, little Leyland-built Mini 1000 Mk. 4 was most recently owned by a talented artist who expressed his own outlook on life by decorating his bright red sedan with beautifully painted flowers across the bonnet, trunk lid, and fenders. The black interior is quite well furnished, including wind-up door glass, much nicer than the original Mk1 Minis that used sliders, and a lot of cardboard interior trim. This Mini has nicely-upholstered seats and a molded-wood dashboard with a large 150km/h speedometer with integral odometer and fuel level readouts. There are separate temperature and oil pressure gauges. The odo currently reads a mere 7308kms, but the total mileage is unknown. Described as being totally restored by Roberto Lavoie, it appears to be in excellent condition and ready to drive and enjoy.