In Brief:

• Distinctive and eye-catching custom example of a 1971 Morris Mini 1000
• Finished in Vermillion Red over a contrasting black leather interior
• Heavily customised, visually and mechanically modified
• An out-of-the-ordinary proposition for Mini enthusiasts

Auctioneer's Notes:

A distinctive and heavily customised example of the 1971 Morris Mini 1000 Estate, finished in Vermillion Red and fitted with a number of visual and mechanical modifications. The Vendor describes the car as a customised Mini Estate featuring a fibreglass body kit, wide wheel arches and running boards, while a 1.3-litre Mini Cooper engine has been installed in place of the model's original 998cc unit. The Vendor, a retired enthusiast who is reducing his classic vehicle collection, now offers the Mini for sale.

Importantly, the V5C records the vehicle as “Rebuilt – assembled from parts, some or all of which were not new.”

Maintenance & Condition:

A recent invoice dated July 2026 records the replacement of the clutch and fuel pump, together with the carburettor being stripped and cleaned and all four suspension ride-height raisers being replaced. This follows earlier significant maintenance covering areas including the brakes, suspension and various other mechanical sundries.

The car has also reportedly received new steel wheels and tyres, new brake linings and front and rear brake cylinders, together with adjustable suspension and chrome rear door hinges. The Vendor advises that the Vermillion Red paintwork would benefit from improvement in places, so prospective buyers should regard this as a characterful and customised classic rather than an extensively restored example.

History:

Previous sales documentation accompanying the car reports that its former keeper had owned it for approximately 20 years. During that ownership it was used on the road for a number of years before being placed into dry storage between 2013 and 2025. 

When it emerged from storage, the car had already been fitted with its 1.3-litre Mini Cooper engine. A second-hand clutch had reportedly been installed at the time primarily to enable the car to be moved and loaded, with replacement subsequently recommended. This work has since been completed during the current Vendor's ownership as part of the July 2026 maintenance.

The Model:

The Morris Mini 1000 Estate combined the compact engineering of Alec Issigonis' celebrated Mini with the additional practicality of an extended estate body. By 1971, the Mini had progressed into its MkIII era, bringing features such as wind-up side windows and concealed door hinges while retaining the familiar front-wheel-drive layout and rubber-cone suspension.

In standard form, the Mini 1000 Estate was powered by a 998cc A-Series four-cylinder engine driving through a four-speed manual gearbox. This particular example differs considerably from factory specification, however, having been rebuilt and customised and now being powered by a 1.3-litre Mini Cooper engine.

Sale Insight:

With its extended Mini Estate bodywork, 1.3-litre Cooper engine, wide-arched styling and numerous mechanical updates, this is an individual take on one of Britain's most recognisable classics. The long previous ownership, period of dry storage and recent expenditure on the clutch, fuel system and suspension add interest, while the recorded rebuilt status and areas of paintwork requiring attention should be taken into consideration by prospective buyers. An appealing proposition for someone seeking a usable and highly distinctive customised Mini rather than a factory-standard example.

Estimate:
£1,500 - £2,000