1972 Austin

Although Austin would go on to build over 1-million Minis over the years, by the late 1960’s, no more would be sold new to the United States.  However, for the next several years, many U.S. buyers ended up importing examples from Canada.  Fortunately, these North American models had most of the U.S. DOT required items making them legal and easy to import.

Highlights of these unique North American examples included:

5mph bumpers (replaced with early style chrome models)

Dual outlet rear muffler

Aluminum wheels

Parallel body strips on sides

Smog pump

Fresh air vents

Roll up windows

Personal wood steering wheel

Wood dash

3-point retractable seat belts

Adjustable windscreen wipers with washers

Upgraded heater/blower system

This example was imported from Canada when new and spent its entire life in Southern California /Orange County.  The first owner only drove the car for around 3,500 miles before selling it in 1980 to a university professor who lived in Palos Verdes, CA.  He used this car as a local commuter until 1987.  By this time, the Mini had around 50,000-miles on it.  The next owner was a well-known Southern California Porsche racer who also had a Porsche parts/dismantler business.  After purchasing the car, he only used it for a short period before storing it covered in his warehouse in Orange County.  It sat in the back of his warehouse for well over a decade until the most recent owner took over his lease and bought his inventory of parts that came with the building.  Not realizing it, but in the back of the building was this pristine survivor mini cooper.  The car was carefully removed and began to be brought back to life.

With the help of the local Mini experts at Heritage Garage (one of the top Mini restoration/service shops in the country) in Costa Mesa, CA, they went through the car to make it a great running survivor.  The following are highlights of significant work performed:

High/Low full adjustable rear suspension

Single adjustable shocks all the way around

Stainless steel brake lines

Aluminim finned rear drum brakes from Cooper S

Front Cooper S disc brakes

External oil cooler

Sump skid plate

Yokohomo A008 tires (although older, very few miles and no cracks)

Front and rear sway bars

H4 Hella headlights

Plastic Cooper S flares

Upgraded side mirrors

New windshield and rubber

Upgraded early-style front grill for access to motor/distributor

Bosch driving/fog lights

New clutch slave and master cylinders

Later style fan, radiator, and newer water pump

The result of this work has made this one of the most fun and best street handling Mini Coopers available.  The balance is just right with great feedback but it remains comfortable on longer drives.  The car shifts precisely with no issues.  The brakes have good initial bite with no fade.  The power is adequate for such a light and small car.  One of the best benefits of this Mini is the roll-up windows and fresh air vents.  In warmer months, these cars can get quite stuffy inside due to the location of the engine and the prior models with sliding windows just wouldn’t properly ventilate the interior.  The roll up windows allow you to casually rest your arm out the window and combined with the seat track extenders (great for long-legged drivers), the interior feels larger and more comfortable.

The former owners of this Mini were not only avid microcar collectors, but also very big in the vintage race scene.  They have been regulars racing at the Monterey Historics for decades.  Once in service, this Mini (affectionately referred to as “Jack”) was their primary pit-car.  Because it didn’t take up much room and was vintage, it was always welcome in the pits.  It was even voted and awarded the best pit vehicle at the famous weekend event.  They used Jack to travel back and forth to their hotel in Big Sur (hence the decal in the rear window).

Based on the condition, it is clear this is not only a low-mile example, but it has been well-cared for and always garage kept.  The body is very straight and dry with no signs of misuse.

The original aluminum wheels are in very good condition and are wearing full tread tires.  Besides the recently replaced windscreen, the rest of the glass is original and in good condition.

The interior is original and in very good condition.  It certainly helps confirm the survivor condition of this Mini.  The dash top and wood front are in great condition with no cracks.  The original seats, carpet, and door cards also look very nice with just a few minor flaws.  The passenger side visor is missing.  The headliner is also original and has some minor stains.  All the gauges and buttons appear to operate properly.

All serious inquiries should call Mark Starr at 914 217-4817 with any questions or to make an offer.