Austin Mini 850 De Luxe | 1961

Austin Mini 850 De Luxe | 1961

Highlights:

– 850 cc four-cylinder engine, petrol, manual transmission

– Early 1961 example of the original Mini

– Restored body, engine and interior

– German papers including historic vehicle certificate

The seller offers for sale this 1961 Austin Mini 850 De Luxe, powered by an 850 cc four-cylinder engine, paired with a manual transmission. Finished in a charming light green, this early example presents in good condition throughout. According to the seller, the car has been restored, with the body, engine and interior all having been addressed. It comes with German registration papers, including a historic vehicle certificate, making it ready to be enjoyed as a recognised classic. Early Minis from the first years of production are increasingly sought after by collectors, and De Luxe examples in this presentation are becoming ever harder to find.

Launched in 1959, the Mini was the brainchild of Alec Issigonis and revolutionised small car design. By mounting the engine transversely and driving the front wheels, Issigonis created a car with remarkable interior space within a footprint of just over three metres. Sold in its early years under both the Austin and Morris brands, the Mini quickly grew from a clever economy car into a cultural icon, beloved by everyone from city commuters to racing drivers. The 850 cc A-series engine gives the car its eager, characterful nature, and the go-kart-like handling that made the Mini famous is present in every drive.

Early examples such as this one, with their distinctive details including sliding windows, external door hinges and the minimalist dashboard with central speedometer, represent the Mini in its purest form. As one of the most influential cars ever built, and with early cars becoming increasingly rare, the first-generation Mini has firmly established itself as a blue-chip classic. This example offers an appealing opportunity to acquire a restored, road-ready car from the very beginning of the Mini story.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Condition of the interior

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

Technical condition

4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.

Overall condition

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: Hesse state, Germany.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a Germany registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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