Mini Classic 1965 review

Overview

The 1965 Mini belongs to the revered Mk I era (1959-1967) of Alec Issigonis's masterpiece, launched as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor in 1959. By 1965 the tiny giant of British motoring was already a cultural icon, its transverse-mounted A-series engine and front-wheel drive having revolutionised small-car packaging years ahead of the competition. A 1965 car keeps all the purest Mk I details - external door hinges, sliding front windows and the original grille treatment - while benefiting from Hydrolastic suspension, introduced in late 1964 to soften the earlier rubber-cone ride. With the Mini's Monte Carlo rally glory making headlines through the mid-1960s, even the humble 848cc saloon carries real star quality.

Behind the wheel, a 1965 Mini is a time machine. The 848cc A-series makes around 34 bhp (approx.), enough for roughly 26.5 seconds to 60 mph (approx.) and a top speed near 72 mph (approx.) - leisurely by modern standards, but the go-kart handling, direct steering and wheels-at-each-corner stance make 30 mph feel like an event. The four-speed manual, with synchromesh on the upper three gears, rewards planning ahead, while 50 mpg-plus economy is realistic on a gentle run. Expect noise, a busy ride and thin trim; this is motoring stripped to its essentials, and all the more charming for it.

If you are buying, rust is everything. Inspect the inner and outer sills, A-panels, floors, both subframes, the boot floor and the front wings behind the wheels - filler and patch panels hide a multitude of sins, so a jack-up inspection and a fridge magnet for finding filler are wise precautions. Mechanically the A-series is tough and parts are plentiful from Mini specialists, so favour a solid body over a shiny one: a straight shell with tired running gear is the smarter buy than a gleaming car hiding rot. Budget from around £8,950 for a good usable example; projects start at roughly half that, while genuinely top Mk I cars command far more.

UK price from: £8,950