The Mark IV Mini was introduced in 1976, even though by this stage British Leyland was working on a new small car which was widely expected to replace the Mini before much longer.

It had a front rubber mounted subframe with single tower bolts and the rear frame had some larger bushings introduced.

Twin stalk indicators were introduced with larger foot pedals.

From 1977 onwards, the rear indicator lamps had the reverse lights incorporated in them.

In 1980, the engine was upgraded to the improved A-Plus unit from the new Metro.

This was then followed by a number of later incremental developments: This mini was recommissioned last year after around 15 years in storage.

Many brand new parts were used, including the radiator, hoses (top, bottom and bypass), water pump, Maniflow cooper exhaust manifold and RC40 system, Minispares inlet manifold, brake backplate assemblies, and a new set of alloy wheels and tyres.

At the same time the head was removed and decoked, the bores inspected a...