The Mini wasn’t the first microcar, but it is unquestionably the most successful. Produced for more than four decades by at least three different companies (well, the same company under different ownership), it stands as an icon that combines practicality, economy, and fun in equal measure. The Mini became the archetype for today’s front-wheel-drive cars with transverse engine layouts and its handsome two-box design laid the groundwork for all the economy cars that would follow. Add in its handsome good looks, rugged mechanicals, and booming aftermarket support, they remain as popular and sensible in today’s world as they were in the 1960s. And they really are as fun to drive as you’d think, with go-kart like handling, eager road manners, and an energetic feeling that belies their modest specifications. There’s a very good reason why you’ll still see Minis running around racetracks today—they just work!

This bright yellow Mini is a late production Mark IV version, which included several upgrades over earlier Minis, including a 1098 cc engine (instead of the standard 850 cc unit), fiberglass fender flares, and unique alloy wheels. This is a British market car and shows just over 26,000 original miles, which is absolutely a correct reading. It was imported to the US several years ago and given a few slight tweaks, but largely remains in factory spec. The charming Mini look is undiluted and the vivid yellow paint is in fantastic shape with a shine that is deeper than its reasonable price would suggest. The shape is pure 1960s cool but this is definitely a high-visibility little car (probably not a bad idea anyway). Fit and finish are remarkably good for an affordable economy car and there’s no resisting the happy little Mini “face” up front. The chrome grille, bumpers, and large round headlights are a throwback to another era, but they work especially well here. On the other hand, body-colored mirrors, some black stripes on the beltline, and the fender flares pull it into another decade. The glass has been tinted to give it a bit of a modern look and the traditional three-element taillights are big and easy to see, although it’s not like anyone’s going to miss this little guy going down the street.

The sporty gray and blue striped bucket seats add to the Mini’s eager disposition. The upholstery is original and in fantastic condition, although we suspect the carpets have been replaced at some point—at the very least, they’ve got some cool embroidered floor mats that look right. The big steering wheel makes the Mini easy to maneuver and since it was sold around the world, the gauges are located in the center of the dash to facility both left- and right-hand drive models. Those beautiful Smiths gauges cover all the important vitals and as we mentioned, the 26,296 miles showing on the odometer are actual—this Mini has led an easy life. There is no radio and secondary controls consist of some knobs and switches just below the gauges, which, in typical British fashion, are completely impossible to decipher—the pictogram makes it look like one of the knobs is for a flamethrower. This Mini is rather unusual in that it is equipped with an automatic transmission, but before you tut-tut the autobox, take it for a drive. This Mini is responsive and quick, with downshifts served up right when you need them and offering a high gear that makes it an easy 65 MPH highway cruiser. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! There’s remarkable packaging that gives even back seat passengers reasonable space and the boot is neatly trimmed with a matching black mat with yellow piping. Underneath there’s the original spare, battery, and zero signs of rust or rot.

The 1.3 liter inline-4 doesn’t seem like a lot, but remember there’s not much car to move so performance is entertaining. No, it’s not like a modern sports car or anything like that, but it’s eager and doesn’t mind revving a little bit, and the performance is such that you need not lift for most corners, making the Mini incredibly fun to hustle around. It still inhales through its original heavy-duty air cleaner and the side-mounted radiator looks odd but works well enough. A few dress-up items, including a chrome valve cover and a few yellow accents like the plug wires and fan give it a slightly custom look, although there are no real modifications. It starts easily, idles nicely, and has a nice 4-cylinder bark that is a large part of the cars fun-to-drive quotient. It’s been properly maintained but with only 26,000 miles on the clock, there’s never been any need for serious work. Just get in and enjoy!

Unfortunately, the Mini is too small to fit on our lift, but everything underneath is as clean as the top, with solid floors and no structural issues or rust repairs in the past. The car has never been hit or bent, so the structural elements are straight and solid, and the critical areas in the rocker panels and trunk are in great shape. The suspension retains its supple yet capable feel and for a little car, ride quality is remarkably good. And one of the big virtues of a small package is less weight, which means brakes can be smaller yet just as effective and the suspension clings to the pavement with tenacity that would make bigger, more powerful cars jealous. The exhaust system has a wonderful 4-cylinder sound that seems racy without being annoying and 12-inch Minilite-style wheels look awesome with relatively fat 165/60/12 Yokohama radials.

Extras include the original jack assembly with wheel chock.

Everyone loves the Mini. This car will make you a celebrity everywhere you go, but only other Mini owners will know the joys of flinging one of these little cars around in town. With a cheerful demeanor matched by its bright colors, this attractive high-quality Mini offers a great combination of fun, utility, practicality, and economy, a combination that’s tough to get in a collector car. Climb in and start having fun immediately with this car, you won’t regret it a bit. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.