This is truly a rare and beautiful car! According to my research, there is only one other known 1988 Austin Mini "Designer" in the United States. There were only 2000 of them made in total production, 1000 white and 1000 black.
This car was brought into the United States 7 years ago from Canada and passed the National Street Rod Association NSRA safety certification from 2012-2016, these decals are fixed onto the windshield. It currently has a 2017 Virginia motor vehiclesafety certification. This safety certification means that EVERYTHING on this car works, as it should.
The Mini "Designer" was designed by Mary Quant the creator of the 1960's Mini Skirt. The "Designer" edition was offered with black and white interior that was modeled after her famous mini skirts. This rare Mini has left hand drive, 998 CC Austin engine and 4 speed transmission. This is in unrestored and original condition with just over 90,000 miles. It has new tires.
The front seats are signed by Mary Quant, the steering wheel has Quant's signature daisy logo on it and also has Quant's signature daisy logo on the hood. These Mini's where known for getting 40 mpg city, and 60 mpg on the highway. The front end was professionally repainted with factory Austin Mini paint and hood stripes were added to the car. After seeing the other white Mini Designer in the US, we decided to put the black stripes on this car. It really sets it out. While the repaint the rubber gaskets that needed replacing where ordered from England and were replaced. It has new tail light lenses and side marker lights. We ordered a new set of factory floor mats to put into the car.
If you have researched Austin Mini's they are prone to have their wheel bearings wear out. This car has had front and wheel bearings replaced, with genuine Austin Mini NOS bearings from England. It has a new master cylinder, new brake lines, new rotors, calipers and disc brake pads on the front, new finned rear aluminum brake drums, brake shoes, and wheel cylinders. It has new tires, new spark plugs and wires, new battery, new electronic ignition system, to include high output coil. It also has a new exhaust system and lifetime K&N air filter. The Austin Mini is unique because the engine / transmission share the same lubricant, this was replaced with Castrol 20/50 imported from England so it has the correct oil.
This Mini runs beautifully and has been cared for meticulously, especially in the mechanical department. Therenothing keeping her from being a daily driver apart from the fact that Classic Mini's have a tendency for water to enter the cabin : and we babied her and garaged her as much as possible.
She does have somesmall dents/door dings, a few minor scratches, and the beginnings of surface rust on the quarter panels and around the windows - please look closely at the pictures. These of course are not uncommon after 30 years and don't keep her from being a major head turner.
If you have a questions feel free to ask.