1959 Austin Mini Se7en De Luxe Saloon: untouched and up for grabs

Coming off the Longbridge production line in May 1959 three months before its official launch on August 26, this original Austin Mini Se7en De Luxe Saloon has been listed for an upcoming Bonhams auction.

The 53-year-old car comes complete with all the standard equipment you would expect; indicators, wing mirrors, spare tyre, even the famous glass windscreen washer bottle.

While the driver's side door has been replaced, the 'XLL 27' number plates, engine, transmission and, though looking a little worse for wear, factory Farina Grey paintwork are all original. Bonhams say there is even paperwork to suggest the recorded 30,041 miles (48,346km) are legitimate.

Sure, there might be evidence of corrosion in the floors, A-pillars, sills, doors, rear seat well, boot floor and rear bumper, but most of the shell remains intact.

It is believed that only three Minis built earlier than 'XLL 27' still exist; one has been radically restored and is part of a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust collection while the other two are in Japan, one of which has been converted into a cabriolet.

John Polson from Bonhams told The Telegraph, "The Mini is one of the most important cars of the 20th century. They have always been collectable."

The ultra-rare Mini is estimated to sell for £12,000–£15,000 ($18,600–23,200) when it goes under the hammer as part of the Bonhams auction at the Royal Airforce Museum in London on April 30 – still enough time to book flights.

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