We’ve seen plenty of throwback MINI Coopers at our Connecticut MINI dealership, and members of our service department have been under many an old MINI’s hood. However, we’ve never seen anything like this before: the oldest known unrestored Mini in existence!
The 1959 Austin Mini Se7en De Luxe Saloon (‘XLL 27’), pictured above, was only the eighth of its kind to roll off of the assembly line in May of that year. Three of its younger siblings have been accounted for over the years, but all have since been restored. We know that Minis hold on to much of their value over time, and the XLL 27 is no exception – it sold for $65,000 at auction on April 30.
So what kind of shape is this Mini in? Most of its parts are original, right down to the engine, transmission and even the numberplates. The odometer reads 30,041 miles, which is extremely low compared to today’s standards, and there’s no need to consult Carfax for prior service records – a paper brake service label notes that this Mini’s service was performed at 17,942 miles. All things considered, we have to say that the XLL 27 aged quite well.
If you’re a huge fan of MINI’s retro styling, but are more in the market for something that runs, we invite you to come down to our MINI dealership in Hartford, CT. You don’t have to drive a relic to own a modern classic!
