A Mini for over 100,000? Of course ...
11/03/2017
The Austin (850) Mini, a stroke of genius by Alec Issigonis, introduced in 1959, was and still is a popular car. But the fact that over 100,000 euros (or 120,000 Swiss francs) are to be paid for the 3.05-metre-long dwarf still makes you sit up and take notice.
At the Bond Street auction, Bonhams is able to offer an example from 1966 that is certainly exceptional. The 1966 Austin Mini Cooper S once belonged to Ringo Starr, the Beatles' drummer. It was commissioned by Brian Epstein, the band's manager. All Beatles members drove a Mini back then. And they didn't just come off the shelf. Mini tuners Hooper and Radfort worked hard to create very special examples.
Ringo Starr's special needs were certainly a challenge, as he wanted to be able to transport his drums in the trunk of the small car.
The standard small trunk lid was just as much an obstacle to this as the limited space in the luggage compartment. A large tailgate and fold-down rear seats were therefore fitted.
The large drum fitted exactly between the wheel arches.
The car was also fitted with electric side windows, individually switchable headlights, Beetle tail lights, additional instruments and, of course, a fine wood and leather interior. With its two-tone paintwork, the car was and is a real gem at a good three meters.
The car was restored in the early nineties and has been owned by a family for around 40 years; it also won an award at the Concours Cartier "Style et Luxe".
This little gem is now up for auction at Bonhams in London on December 2for EUR 100,000 to 140,000 (CHF 120,000 to 160,000). It will be interesting to see whether the car will be worth that much to a bidder.
