1959 Austin Mini Se7en Deluxe Saloon

• Dating from the first year of Mini production
• Restored in the late 1980s
• Regularly attendee at car shows and rallies throughout the Southeast
• Substantial history file

"The new Mini was as different from the British small car norm in 1959 as a space shuttle from a firework. It bristled with innovative ideas, it looked radically different from any other car and was the most compact 'real' car Britain ever produced." – Chris Rees, Complete Classic Mini.

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. In May 1959, the first Morris-badged version was built at Cowley and that car, registration '621 AOK', now forms part of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust's collection at Gaydon.

Less than two-and-a-half years after its initial conception the Mini was officially launched at the 1959 Motor Show, having been shown to the motoring press eight days previously. BMC chose to market the car as the 'Austin Se7en' and 'Morris Mini Minor' before 'Mini' became a marque in its own right in 1969. In due course estate and van versions arrived, larger engines became available, more luxurious Riley and Wolseley models joined the line-up and the sporting Mini Cooper was introduced. The early Mk1 had the 848cc A-Series engine, rubber cone suspension and floor-mounted starter button, the latter two features being replaced by Hydrolastic suspension and key starting respectively in 1964. De Luxe versions – preferred by the majority of customers – came with bumper over-riders and additional exterior brightwork.

Competed on 30th November 1959, this very early Austin Se7en was despatched new to Haigs Motor Co Ltd in Southsea, Hampshire. Originally finished in Tartan Red with grey/red interior, it left the factory equipped with a heater, kicking strips, and a rubber mat in boot, and was registered as 'XAA 807' on 18th December 1959. It would appear that the original engine ('8AM-U-H/7590') has since been replaced.

The car's early history is unknown until 1973 when it was purchased in Southampton for £95. The Mini was used continuously and well loved. The same family owned the car until 1986, by which time it was worn out and had been garage stored for some considerable time. In 1988 'XAA' was purchased by Malcolm Bell and lovingly restored using many original parts. The Mini was also returned to its original red exterior colour.

Since then the car has been maintained by the aforementioned owner, regularly attending shows and rallies throughout the Southeast. There is a substantial file with the car containing numerous old MoTs, ownership history, bills and other documents, while in the boot may be found sundry spares, some books, and other associated equipment.


Described by the vendor as in generally good, condition, though with some minor cosmetic imperfections, 'XAA 807' represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a restored example of one of the 20th Century's greatest cars in its earliest, purest form.