1963 AUSTIN MINI 850

When did you buy this car and why? 
August 2018. I saw the Mini in a Placemakers carpark in Hamilton and managed to find the owner who worked in the timber yard. The car was all original, and looked good in Surf Blue, however it was in poor condition. I advised the owner that if he was interested in selling the car at some stage, I may be interested in purchasing it. That eventually happened 18 months later. By this stage the Mini was sitting outside and rust was working hard to destroy it. One of the reasons I purchased it was that it would have been sad to see it go to the wreckers as it had only one owner and 37,000 miles on the clock.

Anything unusual about its ownership history? 
The car was purchased new in Christchurch and first registered on 1 November 1963. When the lady owner passed away, her belongings including the Mini were put in a container and sent to her son in Hamilton. He never updated the ownership papers and drove it for a number of years before parking it up.

Have you previously owned a Mini? 
My first car as an apprentice was a 1961 MK1 Morris Mini in red.

What compelled you to undertake a full restoration? 
As an engineer, I had to strip it down to the last nut and bolt to see what I had bought. It needed a full restoration and I wanted to bring it back to virtually new condition.

What was the most challenging thing about the project? 
Rust in the body demanded the most work and I undertook about 85 per cent of the panel work myself. This included fitting new front guards, new LH floor, new LH rear quarter panel, new sills, new boot floor, and new A Panels (inner and outer). I rebuilt both of the rusted doors and fitted new skins.

Does the finished car differ in any way from original spec? 
I have researched and made sure the end result is as original as you can get. I purchased many parts in NZ, Australia, USA and England. The Surf Blue colour is the original colour and I had it painted to a high standard. I restored as many components as possible rather than replacing them with new and they retain their stamped manufacturing dates.

How often will you drive the car? 
I intend to use the Mini for club events, car shows and limited local travel.

Do you feel vulnerable in a car of this age and size? 
You do feel vulnerable in this small car at times, especially as there are many inexperienced drivers out there and many who do not care about your pride and joy.

Which of its driving characteristics do you appreciate most? 
The Mini is a fun car to drive even though it is a little underpowered and it corners well. The ‘Magic Wand’ gearbox works well once you get used to it.

Does it have any obvious quirks in its operation? 
This is an early MK1 Mini with a push-button starter on the floor – quite different but it works well. Most people who know early Minis also talk about that ‘Magic Wand’ gear lever. When things are worn, the lever can be sloppy and it’s difficult to find gears. It all works fine on my restored car, of course.

Have you owned other classics from this era? 
Aside from my first Mini, my second was a 1967 Hillman Imp which my father restored and was also a great car. I have also restored two WW2 Willys Jeeps (still have one) along with its trailer.

What was the very first vehicle you drove and where did you drive it? 
My parents’ Vanguard, Bedford and Standard 8 vans. Generally just up the driveway, turning them around in car parks and driving around the block many times before I got my licence.