8 replies to this topic

[Bec]

Got to love the 80s style! 'And to give you music on the move, there's a two-band push-button radio' ON THE BACK SEAT! Look.
Luxury models came with batteries.
Insurance group 1

Edited by Bec, 20 August 2011 - 12:35 PM.

[taffy1967]

I remember seeing the Mini Chelsea LE on the national TV news back in early 1986, because Rover had used it to spearhead exporting Minis to Japan and they showed lots of Japanease people driving Minis and stuff, including the then brand new Mini Chelsea.

Well of course they went nuts for Minis and pretty soon afterwards big things happened like the massive turn out at Silverstone in 1989 for the Mini 30 Birthday Celebrations and they then brought back the Mini Cooper in 1990.

And to think around the mid 1980's, the Mini was due die but then chairman Graham Day decided to raise it's profile and see what the Japanease thought of it. So i'm always grateful to the Mini Chelsea because I see it as the start of a Mini renaissance.

Oh and this Xmas TV advert campaign back in 1986 and 1987 also let the nation know that the Mini was alive and well too:-

[Bec]

Another advert, part of the chelsea's launching from a poster I've got. I know that's how I dress up to drive Vern, even when I go to Morrisons!

I actually quite like the interior but maybe I'm biased, think the grey looks ace with the red!

Oh and the leaflet on the Chelsea spec is from a showroom, I think they had ones for every model they launched after then? I've got a mini 30 one somewhere but can't find it for the life of me! Doh!

[taffy1967]

Another advert, part of the chelsea's launching from a poster I've got. I know that's how I dress up to drive Vern, even when I go to Morrisons!

I actually quite like the interior but maybe I'm biased, think the grey looks ace with the red!

Oh and the leaflet on the Chelsea spec is from a showroom, I think they had ones for every model they launched after then? I've got a mini 30 one somewhere but can't find it for the life of me! Doh!

Verns_PlayMate your an absolute star, I haven't seen that advert for years and I used to feel really proud when it was displayed at a local advertising billboard. So thanks for posting that.

Is it okay if I save a copy for my photobucket account?

Oh and I always liked the Mini Chelsea interior too and if I hadn't bought a Mini Mayfair in late 1985, i'd have chosen a Chelsea.

And what leaflet on the Chelsea spec do you have? Do you mean the brochure you posted already or something else?

Edited by taffy1967, 13 February 2007 - 06:33 PM.

[Teapot]

It's really good that people are interested in the mini's cultural background as well as the mechanics. IIRC although the mini was designed to be affordable by "ordinary" families, it didn't really take off until celebs started buying them as a must-have accessory.

[Bec]

Gallery: http://www.google.co...=og&sa=N&tab=wi


Mini Chelsea

• Year: 1985 (February)
• Based on: Mini City
• Engine: 998cc
• Exterior colours:

• Targa Red (CNE - BLVC641)
• Silver Leaf (Japan) (MME - BLVC421)

• Exterior trim: Gray bumpers and door handles
• Decals/badges: Silver and red coachlines with "Chelsea" logos
• Interior: Osprey Grey with red piping
• Equipment: 12" alloy wheels and opening rear side windows
• Production: 1,500 for UK, more exported
• Cost new: £3,898

Produced after the supply of Mini Ritz's had been sold.



Information from: http://en.wikipedia....imited_editions

More information can be found here: http://www.minilimitededitions.co.uk/

[Bec]

Information from: http://www.minipassi...ini/corgi35.htm

Corgi Models, available as:


Vitesse model available:
L109 Mini Chelsea 1985


(Own info and photograph)

[mesco]

You can find the german brochure on my website: http://www.austinmin...om/chelsea.html

[RichieH]

Hi all, thanks so much for all your inputs and useful tips!