1989 Austin Mini '30th Anniversary' - 35 Miles, Unregistered

The history of the Austin Mini began in 1959 with the rise of British pop culture. Considered as the British icon of the '60s, this charming little city car combined practicality, reliability and driving pleasure. The production of the original Mini speaks for itself: 5.3m units produced between 1959 and 2000. Far from doubting the commercial success of this front-engined compact, the Austin, BMC, Morris or Rover teams quickly had fun developing different versions. From the Cooper and Cooper S to the Clubman, there was something for every taste and use.

By the time the Mini celebrated its 30th anniversary it had already passed the remarkable production milestone of 5 million (achieved in 1986). Based on the Mini Mayfair and introduced in June 1989, the '30' was the most luxuriously equipped Mini Limited-Edition model to date. Just two alternative paint schemes were offered - Cherry Red or Black - featuring contrasting duo-tone coach-lines and '1959-1989' decals and bonnet badge. Wheel-arch extensions, door mirrors and sill covers were colour matched to the body, chrome finish being reinstated for the grille, bumpers and door handles, while Minilite-style alloy wheels (soon to feature on the Mini Cooper) were a particularly handsome addition to the package. The 998cc engine could now run on unleaded petrol, and a catalytic converter was available as an option. 3,000 cars were built for the UK market, the colour split being 2,000 in red and1,000 in black

The car presented here is, without doubt, the lowest-mileage and most original example of a 1989 Mini 30th Anniversary you will find; unregistered, never been on-the-road, never seen any weather, always stored indoors. Acquired by our vendor directly from the manufacturer and kept as an office reception centrepiece ever since. A little dusty perhaps but in 'as new' condition; a basic check-over and recommission would see it start/run - not that adding to its delivery mileage of 35 miles would perhaps been in its interest, value-wise, but using it is always an option for a new owner. The level of preservation and originality is, without question, collector or museum-level; to find classic Minis in this sort of condition is now almost impossible.  

The end for the classic Mini finally came on 4th October 2000, when the last car rolled of the production line at Longbridge to the soundtrack of the film The Italian Job and thunderous applause from the gathered crowd of workers, management and journalists and now, 25 years on, a 1980/90s Mini makes a tempting classic proposition.

Representing the pinnacle of the later Austin-Rover Mini incarnations, a firm must-have for any classic Mini fan or collector, this must be one of the best available today. With just 35 miles covered and in a rarely seen state of preservation, this single owner from new 1989 Mini needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.