MINI MAYFAIR with POWER STEERING

Description

HISTORY
This honest little Rover Mini Mayfair, is something of  a time warp classic. It was first registered on the 29th June 1991 and purchased from Caffyns, the Rover main agent in Worthing, who serviced it for the first three lady owners, who drove it very sparingly. Local garages subsequently cared for it from 1998.

In 2007 when the lady owner could no longer drive, after only 14000 miles her husband mothballed the car until 2018 when it was re-commissioned maintaining its original Rover specification and sold to the last owner.  Now with a current  MOT to 12th. December 2023, a recent service and some simple maintenance, it is looking to be taken on its next mini adventure.

PAPERWORK
The V5 document is present and there are a number of old MOT certificates which indicate the car’s steady use, along with the current MOT which expires on the 12th December 2023. There were a couple of advisories which have been dealt with; the slight play in the nearside front lower ball joint is apparently not yet needing to be changed.

The Mini comes with it’s original owners handbook, manual and two sets of keys.
Also a large history file with much documentation of the car’s servicing and maintenance.

THE INTERIOR
The original specification interior continues in fine appearance. The “Granite” velour upholstery and trim is in good condition,  The seats show no real signs of any wear to front or rear other than very slight loosening to the driver’s seat cushion cover.  The door cards are free from damage.  The carpets are excellent without excessive wear.  Headlining is tight and unmarked.

All the switches, instruments and electrical equipment are functioning correctly, with the odometer reading 42,800 miles.
A Kenwood DAB radio is fitted, giving Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, with speakers in place on the rear parcel shelf.
Inside the boot is clean and tidy. Battery correctly stowed and covered.  The jack and wheel brace are present with the spare wheel having an older Pirelli tyre. The inside boot lid has some scuffs.

THE EXTERIOR
This Mini obviously has been – and continues to be garage kept.
Finished in Cranberry Red, the  paintwork is in excellent condition with a deep shine.
There is no sign of rust; the usual notorious spots, front wing/front panel seam, roof gutters, bottoms of the doors, the original sills are fine and subframe attachment points all look good.  The front grille and chrome trim is shiny and blemish-free. The glass, lights and mirrors are fine.
Original dealer rear window sticker.
Lucas headlights are free from  chips or cracks, with the chrome surrounds in good condition.
The windows are in excellent condition with no scratches, and the seals are all in good order.
Rear light lenses including fog lamp are damage free.
The 12” alloy wheels are in good condition with no corrosion, and all four centre caps are in place.   Chunky Yokohama 165/70 tyres were recently fitted and have good tread remaining.

THE MECHANICS
Over many years any maintenance required has been promptly carried out together with regular servicing.  The engine bay is all original and presents well.
A detailed history accompanies the car’s documents, and confirms that the original 998cc A-plus series pocket rocket of an engine has been treated to regular oil and filter changes (crucial with an automatic).  It  fires up easily with a little choke from cold, and ticks over evenly. The automatic box operates smoothly and the car drives as it should.  The current MOT confirms there should be no nasties happening underneath this Mini other than the aforementioned play in the nearside front lower ball joint. The rubber cone suspension, tie-rods, bushes and CV joints appear sound along with the servo-assisted brakes.

SUMMARY
Coming right up to date, I have had power steering professionally fitted, which totally transforms the driving experience and probably makes this Mini almost unique. This cleared the steering rack advisory on the last MOT..  Recent comprehensive service included coolant change, with heater matrix, front tie-bars and sub frame bushes replaced

Reversing sensors are now fitted on the rear number plate; and charging sockets for 12 volt and twin USB below the dash.  A “Lights On” reminder buzzer gives peace of mind .

They don’t come along like this very often! Fully re-commissioned and ready to go, the Mini now has run just 42,800 miles from new.

Information on the Internet records this original Rover Mini Mayfair Auto as one of only 85 left on the road with the 998cc. engine whilst another 361 are on SORN

Being a low mileage, unmodified, well cared for example makes it very appealing.  This classic Mini should continue to deliver stylish zippy performance for many more years to come.

What’s not to love !

Location: Staines-upon-Thames  TW18 4ZB