This right-hand-drive Austin Mini spent time in South Africa before being relocated to the UK under previous ownership in the late 2010s. It is noted to have been re-shelled using a 1970s Mk III body and fitted with a later 998cc A+ inline-four before being acquired by the seller and brought to the US in 2024. Finished in beige with black graphics, the car features a “wavy” grille, bullet-style side mirrors, and Mk I–look taillights. It rides on 10″ Revolution Alloys wheels and has a Hi-Lo adjustable suspension kit as well as 7.5″ front disc brakes. Inside, fixed-back bucket seats are trimmed in black vinyl and accompanied by a Springalex steering wheel and Securon harnesses. The engine is equipped with dual SU carburetors as well as an upgraded ignition system and an aluminum radiator, while shifting is through a four-speed manual transaxle. This modified Mini is now offered in California with partial service records and a Montana title in the name of the seller’s LLC listing the car as a 1965 Austin Mini Cooper.

The seller tells us that the car started out as a South African–built Mk I Austin Mini and was re-shelled at some point under previous ownership utilizing what is believed to be a 1970s Mk III body. Repainted in its current beige finish, the car features blended body-color wheel arch extensions as well as roll-down door windows, pop-out rear quarter windows, and Mk I–look taillights. The hood wears a black number plate graphic, while color-coordinated #33 meatballs appear on the doors. Further details include a “wavy” grille, bullet-style side mirrors, a Le-Mans-style fuel cap, and a polished exhaust finisher. The roof antenna mast is missing, and bubbling is noted on the fenders. The seller recommends replacing the right window regulator.

The 10×5″ Revolution Alloys wheels are mounted with 165/70 Yokohama Advan-032R rubber. The car is equipped with a Hi-Lo adjustable suspension kit, while stopping power is provided by 7.5″ front discs featuring braided hoses paired with drums out back. Work under previous ownership in the UK in 2022 is noted to have involved replacing the steering rack, track rod ends, and wheel bearings as well as the brake master cylinder and rear brake cylinders

The fixed-back front bucket seats are trimmed in black vinyl with worn red piping and accompanied by Securon harnesses. Black vinyl also covers the rear bench and extends to the door and side panels, while black carpets line the floors. The dash wears a black crinkle finish and has been fitted with a custom central switch panel. Further appointments include a cabin heater, as well as drilled door pulls and window cranks.

The Springalex steering wheel sits to the right of a centrally mounted Smiths 95-mph speedometer with an inset fuel-level readout flanked by gauges for coolant temperature and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 30k miles, approximately 500 of which were added under current ownership. True mileage is unknown.

The replacement 998cc A-series inline-four breathes through dual SU HS2 carburetors wearing pancake-style air cleaners and is further equipped with an upgraded distributor and electronic ignition. Work in 2024 is said to have involved installing a replacement head gasket, alternator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, spark plugs, and ignition wires along with adding an aluminum radiator, performing a valve adjustment, and repainting various engine components.

Power is routed to the front wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle. A front sump guard was added in 2024, and the exhaust system has been fitted with a Maniflow muffler. The seller notes rust on the underbody and various underside components.

The car number shown on the chassis plate above transposes the fourth character “S” as a “5” and is accompanied by a Leyland South Africa Limited tag. The car is titled in Montana as a 1965 Austin Mini Cooper using the sequence AA2577033528.

The vehicle has not been inspected by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair or Air Resources Board.