1959 Austin Mini Se7en Saloon
Registration no. 575 XVE Chassis no. AA2S7L 3904

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|5 September 2021, 10:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1959 Austin Mini Se7en Saloon
Registration no. 575 XVE
Chassis no. AA2S7L 3904

Odometer reading: 17,184
MOT: Exempt

*Very early example
*Delivered new to Portugal
*Left-hand drive
*1959 Mini Register Certificated

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Footnotes

By the time production ceased in 2000, a total of 5,387,862 Minis of all types had been built worldwide, making it the most successful British car of all time. Of the countless variants produced, the very early cars built during the final quarter of 1959 are by far the most sought after by collectors. These early cars are catered for by the '1959 Mini Register', whose accompanying correspondence (dated 30th January 2019 in support of obtaining an age-related UK registration) confirms that the left-hand drive example offered here was completed on 12th October '59 and that the original VIN plate is still attached. The Register has known of this car for many years, and the Registrar states that it 'is a very original vehicle inspected by myself'.

Car number '3904' was first registered in Portugal on 25th November 1959 and has spent almost its entire life in that country, firstly in Porto and then Quinto do Anjo, Pamela, just south of Lisbon. The current lady vendor acquired the Mini on 1st February 2019 and the car now resides in Dorset. Since its arrival here, the Mini has been fitted with a new wiring loom and also benefits from some £3,000 spent on the gearbox and clutch. Offered with its Portuguese logbook, '3904' represents a wonderful opportunity to own one of Britain's greatest cars in its earliest, purest form.

Vendor Score Total: 54 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /25
Body Work: 2
Paint: 2
Glass: 2
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 9 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 2
Headlining: 2
Trim: 2

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 4 /10
Main components: 2
Ancillary components: 2

ENGINE TOTAL: 14 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 3

Car History File: 3

Additional information

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