Vehicle Description
1979 Austin Western Mini 1000
The Mini was made by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its
successors from 1959 until 2000. The original is considered a
British icon of the 1960s; with its space-saving, front-wheel drive
layout, allowing 80% of the car's floorpan to be used for
passengers and luggage. This influenced a generation of car makers,
and in 1999, the Mini was voted the second most influential car of
the 20th century, behind the Ford Model T. This distinctive,
two-door car was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, and was
manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants. The Mini Mk. I
had three major UK updates; the Mk. II, the Clubman and the Mk.
III. Within these were a series of variations, including an estate
car, a pick-up and a van. The Mini Cooper and Cooper 'S' were
sportier versions, and made successful racing cars, winning the
Monte Carlo Rally four times from 1964 through to 1967. Initially,
Minis were marketed under the Austin and Morris names; as the
Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor, until Mini became a marquee in
its own right in 1969.
For consignment, a 1979 version of the Mini right out of the
Longbridge assembly plant in jolly old England and brought
stateside sometime between 2008 and 2010. Now gracing our North
mallway, this car appears to be in restored condition with a custom
dark green respray, tons of mechanical upgrades and maintenance.
With this right-hand drive edition, you may have a propensity to go
down the road on the wrong side.
Exterior
A respray from its original brown to now deep end of the pool
Highland Green Pearlcoat, almost appearing black in certain
lighting, this paint appears in good condition with wonderful
luster. On the round nose front our eyes are drawn to the super
bright and shiny chrome bumper, horizontally barred grillework and
round headlight bezels leading the way for each fender. A British
Leyland badge adorns the short hood which sits in a slight valley
between the front fenders and leads back to a modern laminated
windshield which is highlighted by black rubber trim. The badging
is all there throughout the body and the only add-on during the
restoration were the stainless-steel door cups. Black plastic
flares are framing the wheel wells and provide adequate cover for
the 8 spoke 10" Minilite wheels. More Highland Green Pearl for the
roof which has interesting drip moldings that extend to the fenders
from the roof on the A and C pillars. Finalizing the boot is a
tailgate style trunk lid flanked on either side by chrome bezel
combination tail and marker lighting. Spit Spot Governor!
Interior
Utilitarian simplicity abounds inside with snappy tan and brown
cloth covered buckets in front and a small bench in the rear. Camel
vinyl covers the door panels that sport crank operated windows
within rectangle stitched patterning. A black dash front houses a
centrally located oval gauge cluster with 3 round gauges. The
original black 2 spoke steering wheel fronts this dash. A long
black shifter sits in the center of a sea of light brown carpet,
mostly spit spots and no floor mats are present. A black tight
headliner hangs above and is clean.
Drivetrain
A pop of the bonnet and we are greeted with a 998cc horizontally
opposed 4-cylinder engine, appearing in original condition. Some
rust and patina are noted, and there is a Weber 1-barrel carburetor
atop of a Pierce intake manifold to feel the air and fossils while
a Pertronix ignition system provides the spark. Bolted to the back
of this mini mill is a 4-speed manual transmission which drives the
3.44 geared front wheels. Interestingly the radiator is at the side
instead of the usual front mounted radiator which could take
advantage of airflow through the grille. We note a new starter,
throttle cable, thermostat, heater core, hoses, and heater control
valve.
Undercarriage
A field of black, both paint and undercoating cover the bottom side
of this skate. A strong unibody and flooring is noted as well as
independent suspension both fore and aft all with new shocks. Disc
brakes are on the front and drums provide the stopping power for
the rear. The brake system has been gone over and has a new master
cylinder, hoses, pads and shoes. A new single exhaust system with a
LCB header is on for the exhale and we also see new CV axles and a
new slave cylinder.
Drive-Ability
After a slight cranking it fired up, and we popped it into gear,
and we were off for our test ride. The transmission shifted through
the gears smoothly, brakes worked very well, and it gave us a
smooth ride. It takes just a bit to become accustomed to the
right-hand drive, but all in all the experience was tip top.
We were absolutely chuffed with this little car, with very few
faults and flaws we never became even remotely gutted, our overall
experience was cheeky. From its bonnet to its boot, a sum it up
would be cute!
VIN DECODE
XL2S1N39621A
X-Factory Designator
L-998cc
2S-2 Door Saloon
1-Round Nose
N-Special Deluxe
39621-Sequential Unit Number
A-Longbridge, England Assy Plant
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
