1959 Morris Mini Saloon
Registration no. TDL 379 Chassis no. M-A2S4/1559

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Motorcycles and Automobilia|7 September 2019, 16:00 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1959 Morris Mini Saloon
Registration no. TDL 379
Chassis no. M-A2S4/1559

One of the most influential automobiles of all time, the Alec Issigonis-designed Mini debuted in 1959 to universal acclaim. True, there had been numerous front-wheel-drive designs before the Mini's arrival, but the transverse engine layout allowed Issigonis to create a trend-setting masterpiece of automotive packaging. The first Mini prototypes were running by November 1957 and in April 1959 the first pre-production examples were hand-assembled at Austin's Longbridge factory.
This very early Mini was built on 16-18th September 1959, despatched from the factory on 24th September '59, only a month or so after the car's official launch, and was delivered to Fowler's showroom on the Isle of Wight. The car was later fitted with a factory-replacement engine. 'TDL 379' had had two owners prior to its acquisition by the current vendor (a Mrs Dorey and a Mr Brading, both on the Isle of Wight) and was last taxed for the road to the end of May 1981. We are advised that the engine still turns freely. A prime candidate for sympathetic restoration, this car represents an exciting opportunity to own one of the very first examples of this 20th Century motoring icon.

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