1987 Mini Mayfair Auto

This rather special survivor is a 1987 Mini in top-spec Mayfair trim, that’s lived with its first keeper from new in August 1987 right up to October last year. It might even seem familiar to a few of you, as we were fortunate enough to sell it last autumn. Since then, it has had several of its cosmetic issues put right and now appears very presentable indeed, adding good condition to its already desirable list of low owners and miles. It has also had a full service.

The 1980s was the era of the aftermarket sunroof but as this Mini’s glass top seems to have been installed a bit too well for that, it might well have had its glass top ordered by the first owner via the accessory catalogue. Either way, it’s been well carried out and seems to have kept the cabin from leaking and the headlining from staining. 

Self-shifting Minis, while rarer than their manual equivalents, were available as an option from Automotive Product way back in 1964. The four-speed automatic in this Mini opens up the world of Mini motoring to a wider audience, which can only be a good thing in our books.

The last time we saw this Eclipse Blue Mini, a mere six months ago, it was looking far less pretty. The front end had rust peeking out around the headlights and the bonnet and front wing tops were discoloured. The vendor has had the front end resprayed, including the bonnet and both front wings, and there are no such cosmetic nasties now. The front end currently looking crisp and shiny, with equally impressive chrome around the lights and grille.

The panel work around the car still shows the odd imperfection, and this clearly hasn’t seen a full-hit paintjob, merely remedial work to maintain its originality. The latter is exhibited by the lovely patina to the original Austin Rover wheel trims. Beyond patina, there are a few scratches on the passenger door for example and some marks on the roof and C pillar from bird droppings that seem to have been left to linger too long. There are also signs of some surface corrosion in the gutters and some overspray on the nearside mirror base, but there’s far less unsightly corrosion on show. 

Though that’s not to say it’s rust free, this is a Mini after all. There’s a scab on the nearside of the rear bumper and the passenger door bottom has rotted out in several places. Still, this Mini presents well, with just the right mix of patina and shine for such a apparently original, low mileage example.

Inside, this Mini has a nice authentically-late-1980s feel. For those of a certain age, you’ll no doubt remember riding in Minis like this – though often far less tidy examples – in the 1990s and early 2000s. What appears to be this Mini’s original (or period replacement) Philips radio feeds a single speaker on the parcel shelf; none of the nasty carved-out door speakers or amps under the seats here.

Generally, the trim and plastics look excellent. There are a few light stains on both front seats and door cards, though these aren’t too obvious or unsightly and the rear bench looks barely used. The headlining seems similarly clean and tidy as does the carpet, though the pile on the centre tunnel appears to have suffered from a little sun fading.

With the doors open, the driver’s door striker looks a bit rusty, and while we’re speaking of corrosion, those small flakes of iron oxide left on the passenger sill, come from the bottom of the nearside door that’s becoming theoretical, though the dreaded tin worm on this Mini does appear to be limited to this relatively easy to fix area.

As with the rest of this little Austin Rover gem, the engine bay presents with an honest and what appears to be thoroughly original aesthetic. In this case, that’s a nice way of saying that it’s dirty, with road and oil film seemingly covering everything. You know what they say, it’s free rustproofing!

On a more serious note, everything seems to be present and correct, but the OCD side of us is itching to get in there and detail it all back to factory fresh. If nothing else, it’ll aid finding out where the oil is leaking from in the first place… There is some fresh, wet oil on the bottom of the sump. There are also a few little rust bubbles in the corners of the slam panel and the scuttle around the bonnet hinges looks a little crunchy. The auxiliary belt also looks due for replacement.

The vendor reports that the car drives very well.

As for issues, the vendor states that the engine temperature gauge is faulty - the garage changed the switch on the engine, so it's probably a gauge issue. He also states that on occasion, the car will not start with the gear selector in neutral, but if one moves the selector very slightly it will start. 

This Mini’s main strength is its lack of keepers. With just two – the first ordered the car new from Knowle Hill Garage in August 1987 – to October 2023. Online MoT records (starting in 2007) show this Mini has covered just 1200 miles in the past 15 years. Now that’s either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your intended use for the car. However, if you are planning on driving it, there’s a fresh MoT that runs to March 2025.

Other than the car’s dealer documents, which includes an in-car entertainment manual, consumer guide and service record, there’s only a very small selection of invoices. An oil and plug service (plus air filter) from November 2023 came to £250 at Mercedes Service Centre, London. A glance in the official Austin Rover owner’s book pack shows a smattering of service stamps from the late 1980s and early 1990s, but that’s all folks.

If originality is your bag, then this Mini ticks an awful lot of boxes. Mass market machines with low displayed mileage and two owners certainly don’t come along every day. The apparently solid and highly presentable condition of this example simply adds to the inherent appeal of any Mini.

It’s last few little cosmetic jobs, if done sympathetically, would allow the next owner to keep it as Austin Rover intended, yet still soak up some summer car show admiration.

We estimate that this car will sell for £5,000-£8,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.