Vehicle Description
This compact fun machine comes directly from across the pond and is
sure to bring smiles to onlookers wherever it may roam. This 1984
Austin Mini Mayfair is the "real deal" - a direct British
descendant, down to its right-hand drive - in a pivotal breed of
cars that first gained enormous popularity as a spirited solution
to country wide gas rationing while providing drivers with nimble,
fun to drive transportation. Looking great and arriving with build
receipts and maintenance records in tow, it's ready to ply its
trade here in the States.
Neatly dressed in copper metallic paint, this Austin may bear a
passing resemblance to its domestic relatives, but it makes them
look almost cavernous by comparison, and that's undoubtedly one of
its charms. Its striking exterior shade presents really well - the
coloring is nice and even from front to back and the strong
clearcoat sitting on top gives it an impressive shine. From all
appearances, this compact hasn't suffered any mishaps over the
years, as it's very well aligned - with its modest stature, every
inch of the car is in plain view, so any issues would really stand
out if they were there. Its array of exterior components all appear
to have been updated - there's unspoiled chrome everywhere you
look, fresh rubber encircling all windows, and black painted
bumpers both fore and aft that show no sign of mishaps.
The first thing you'll likely notice upon climbing inside - besides
of course, this import's right-hand drive - is just how
surprisingly spacious the tan cloth interior is. Given the Mini's
small size, you'd think that putting a driver and three passengers
inside would look a little like a circus clown car act, but it's
nothing of the sort. The front buckets actually look a little
broader than most and there's quite a number of larger compact cars
carrying far less space than what separates the bucket and bench
seating on display here. With only some very minor evidence of wear
on the seating surfaces, it's got plenty of life left in it, with
ample padding to provide comfort. Up front, everything appears to
be in good order with the dash. There's a straight looking pad on
top and every switch and control knob is presented and accounted
for. The deck lid in back lowers to reveal actual usable storage
space in back and from that vantage point, you can see the steel
components inside are plenty sturdy.
Prop up the hood and you'll find a transverse-mounted one-liter
engine sitting inside with a one-barrel carb on top. Yep, one
liter, one barrel - as novel a configuration as the car is itself.
Of course, with the Austin Mini tipping the scales at substantially
under 1500lbs empty, displacement is a relative concept and this
seemingly tiny powerplant can actually bring the car up to highway
speed without any issues. True to its purpose as a gas miser, the
Mini didn't disappoint when tested at its factory, coming in at an
impressive 40mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. And, as far
as handling is concerned, it's a veritable go cart - very nimble
and responsive. With the engine accompanied by a 4-speed manual
transmission in top form and shifting smoothly, this car is an
absolute blast to drive. There's yet more novelty on display where
the rubber meets the road - this Austin cruises on a set of very
clean 10" wheels outfitted with Camac steel belted radials.
With its great looking exterior, strong running condition and bona
fide collectability, this 1984 Austin Mini Mayfair would be a great
acquisition for the car enthusiast who's serious about putting one
seriously distinctive classic ride in their garage. Call today!