Mini Mk1 (1959 - 1967)

Last updated 19 November 2014

Buying Guide

Bodywork

• The most common rot spot is ahead of the doors where the front wings, A-pillar and scuttle all meet.
• Mud collects at the top of the rear of the front wheelarch, which is a pain to fix.
• Also check the arear where the inner scuttle panel meets the inner wing behind the wheelarch.
• Sills can rot, with corrosion spreading from the point where the inner wing, A-pillar and floorpan all meet.
• The area the subframe is mounted to the floor often rots, too.
• Liftt the carpets and inspect the floorpans.
• Remove the back seat and check for rot, and also look at the state of the inner wheelarches.
• Shock absorber mounts are also rot-prone.
• Rust can also be found underneath the windscreen rubbers.

Engine & Gearbox

• The A-series is proven and simple. Listen for knocking and looking for clouds of smoke from the exhaust.
• If the engine won’t run properly it may be because of water in the distributor.
• Valve guides and stem seals wear on the 1275cc engine so check for oil burnt on acceleration.
• Oil leaks are common with these engine, often from around the timing chain oil seal.
• Whine is to be expected from the gearbox, while synchromesh cones also wear.
• Oil is shared between the engine and the gearbox so regular (3000-5000 mile) oil and filter changes are crucial.
• Check the CV joints by turn the car on full lock and listening for clicks.

Steering & Suspension

• The rack-and-pinion steering should be taught with no play.
• By 1971, all Minis had reverted to the original rubber-cone set-up for cost reasons.
• Is the car ‘crabbing’? It might be because the suspension is out of alignment – renew the radius arms.
• Check the tracking at the front – tie rods get bent when the front wheels are kerbed.

 Electrics and trim

• Early Minis got a dynamo, post-1971 cars have an alternator.
• Check the connections on the boot-mounted battery to avoid electrical gremlins.
• Dodgy electrics can sometimes be down to dodgy bullet connectors on the wiring loom.
• Original trim is hard wearing, and many reproduction parts are available.
• Exterior trim is often unavailable so you’ll be buying secondhand from autojumbles and the like.