5 replies to this topic

[MiniLuke]

Hello! I have the chance to look at a 1959 built mini… which to me is the holy grail, so I’m quite keen to acquire…

So, how much should I be paying? It’s a pretty wide question I know, so imagine a car that looks every bit its 63 years, so quite tatty. Interior acceptable, and assume all the right bits stack up, so matching numbers and all the ‘59 idiosyncrasy’s. I think it runs, but by no means has it been “restored” which actually is the attraction.

Assuming all that, which I’ll be able to confirm soon on a proper look around, any idea of a range the value sits in? Thoughts appreciated. Cheers

[MiniCarJack]

I could be completely off the mark here, but assuming it is a genuine '59 with all the relevant proof and original quirks/features of the 59-built cars, and the bodywork is solid requiring little work (albeit cosmetically tatty), I'd probably expect to pay anywhere from 15k to 20k+ . But I'm by no means an expert, this is just my personal "gut feel" opinion, so others may well disagree with me (and rightly so!).

[MiniLuke]

Thank you, that’s helpful.

[beardylondon]

My first thought is, surely if it’s a 59, it may have been restored at some point, if not then there’s all the normal mini issues to contend with. All I’d say is, if you don’t know much about bodywork, take someone along who does. As even the most solid looking shells will end up needing thousands spent eventually.
As was said on here recently, you will never get your money back with a full resto, (I realise that not why most folk, including me, do it) even on a 59. However you sound keen on doing a resto, but without knowing your history and skill set, and how deep your pockets are, it’s hard to advise. My rule is, if you think it’s going to take X to restore, double it and you won’t be surprised / shocked / frustrated further down the line.
Be prepared to walk away, as rare as a 59 is, there’s always something better around the corner.

Edited by beardylondon, 19 August 2022 - 03:09 PM.

[MiniLuke]

Thanks Beardy. Yep, can do it all, so know the deal. My latest is a ‘72 850… it’ll be in the MITP concours on Sunday all being well

As that’s done, this might be just the ticket for the next project!

[mab01uk]

Contact Bill Bell at the 1959 Mini Register, he is very helpful and probably knows of the car and will also be able to confirm if it is the genuine article and give you some guidance on price, etc.

Sometimes 1959/60 Minis can be quite solid in sills, etc as they had no drainage holes (flat sills) and most were foam filled to stop water leaks which seemed to preserve them to some degree. However if they do need welding repairs any foam must be removed before any welding takes place!

https://1959miniregister.com/

Edited by mab01uk, 19 August 2022 - 07:25 PM.