Description

1965 COH800C AUSTIN MINI Super De Luxe

Unique factory one-off built for the Managing Director; special interior; Wolseley 998cc engine; special colour; lots of early Cooper features; highly original; genuine 78,000 miles; an absolute must for the Mini adict

Purchased by the vendor's father as a run-around for his son in the 1980s, it was soon put into storage after an MOT failure consigned it to the 'future projects' shelf.

Twenty years on, he decided to resurect the car, noticing that it's first owner was Bill Davies, former Managing Director of BMC. Intruiged, he sent off for a Heritage Certificate which certainly stoked the 'hornet's' nest, proving that this is no ordinary Mini.

For a start, it was assembled by BMC apprentices and the design team to incorporate a number of new ideas - some of which didn't see the light of day until the MkII arrived.

It was painted Carlton Grey - which was not a standard Mini colour, but reserved for the Wolseley Hornet so must have been painted 'off line' and was fitted with a Wolseley Hornet 998cc engine and 'special trim'.....and how special is it?

The leather covered (original) seats are believed to have been sourced from Microcell, who sold their seats to the Rootes Group and Radford, who fitted similar seats to their conversions. It had a three dial instrument panel with wood veneer - again from a Wolseley and the dash top is padded too - a feature which wasn't to raise its head until the MkII in 1967.

The remote gear lever was carried over from the Cooper - even the rear boot panel has Cooper features making the vendor think that they started with a Cooper shell.With almost every item of the interior as originally fitted...even down to the Motorola radio, this car is simply unique - and factory supplied too.

It has had some paintwork and welding over the years - well it is a 1966 Mini after all and it is not in concours condition. It is however very presentable, its condition adding to the overall impression of originality.

Under the bonnet, a previous owner has made liberal use of green Hamerite which won't be to everyone's tastes, but that really is missing the point. Here we have a one-off, factory prototype/special build Mini. You simply have to have it!