1964 Mk1 Austin Mini 850 Hydrolastic

I am offering for sale my 1964 Austin Mini Mk1 850 Hydrolastic, finished in its original Island Blue colour. This is an early sliding-window car and I am the sixth owner from new.

I purchased the Mini approximately 10 years ago from a private seller, and have absolutely loved owning, maintaining and restoring it throughout that period. During my ownership I have accumulated a substantial history file including stacks of receipts for works carried out, alongside service records, MOT certificates and original documentation dating back to the late 1970s.

One of the standout features of this car is its provenance. The sale includes the original registration book, original owner's handbook, extensive historic paperwork and several boxes of spare parts. I will also include the collapsible vehicle storage tent that has housed the car in recent years plus a soft cover for on-the-go protection.

The car was professionally resprayed in the original Island Blue approximately six years ago and undersealed at the same time. The paintwork still presents very well and the underside remains in excellent overall condition, although some areas of the underseal are now beginning to lift with age.

The interior is presented in the original powder blue colour scheme. The original seats have been restored, whilst the door cards and headlining have been replaced using high-quality period-correct reproduction parts from Newton Commercial. The only significant departure from original specification is the carpet set which I have not had the chance to change.

During my ownership I replaced a later (80s) engine that had previously been fitted and returned the car to a correct-specification 850cc unit which was professionally checked and resprayed prior to installation. The car starts readily, runs strongly and is an absolute joy to drive. The Hydrolastic suspension system has had work done and is functioning well. It gives a notably comfortable ride compared to later rubber-cone Minis.

The car is not a concours example and is being advertised honestly as a well-maintained and highly usable classic.

There are several points prospective buyers should be aware of:

- The odometer recently stopped working and currently displays approximately 41, 000 miles, however historical MOT records suggest the odometer has likely passed 100, 000 miles at some point in its life, meaning total mileage is believed to be in the region of 141, 000 miles. Although this seems like a lot it equates to roughly 2300 miles per year since new.

- The rear lights recently stopped functioning and will require investigation. I suspect a fuse issue but have not had the chance to investigate this yet.

- There is a minor oil leak (a Mini trademark) between the engine and gearbox which is most noticeable after longer journeys or when the engine is fully warm.

- Small areas of surface rust are beginning to appear in places underneath, consistent with an older restoration.

Despite these points, the Mini remains a very attractive, reliable and enjoyable classic that is a real head-turner wherever it goes.

I'm gutted to be having to sell, however life has a habit of getting in the way of passions and I can no longer give her the love she deserves. I really want to pass the car on to someone who is a proper enthusiast, can drive her regularly and continue my journey of restoring to as close to original spec as possible.

I bought this Mini because I wanted an honest early Mk1 that could be driven, enjoyed and improved over time rather than a freshly restored show car. What immediately appealed to me was how original the car felt, its fantastic colour combination and the sheer amount of history that accompanied it.

Over the last decade it has become clear just how unusual it is to find an early sliding-window Mk1 with such extensive provenance. The original registration book, owner’s handbook, decades of paperwork and relatively low number of owners all help tell the story of a car that has been cherished throughout its life.

My favourite thing about the car is that it delivers everything people love about an early Mini. It still feels wonderfully simple, light and mechanical to drive, with the character that made the Mini such an icon in the first place. The Hydrolastic suspension also makes it surprisingly comfortable on longer journeys and sets it apart from many other Mk1s. As with all early Minis its simplicity makes it a joy to work on and parts are readily available.

Visually, I think the Island Blue paintwork combined with the matching Powder Blue interior gives it exactly the right period appearance. It attracts attention everywhere it goes and regularly prompts conversations with people who either owned one themselves or remember family members having one when they were younger.

In my opinion this Mini strikes a rare balance. It is presentable enough to take to shows, reliable enough to enjoy on the road (it was my daily driver for many years), and honest enough that a new owner can continue improving it without feeling afraid to use it. Combined with the extensive history, long-term ownership and desirable early Mk1 features, it represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an increasingly difficult-to-find piece of British motoring history.