This 1960 Austin Seven Mini was in use for 20 years before being put into storage in 1980, where it remained until the seller bought it at the end of 2022.

He says: “The car is very original, and I believe it was untouched previous to my ownership.” This is a very early production MK1 and as such very rare, with only a handful known to still exist.

We don’t know why it was taken off the road but the reasons were probably benign because it emerged in a surprisingly good condition.

Sure, it needed a little bodywork but much less than you’d imagine.

Some mechanical work too, but the heavy lifting has now been done, which leaves its new owner with the job of finishing it.

Choosing colour and trim and the final mechanical specification, which is the best bit, of course.

You could keep it as it left the factory, in which case the certificate issued by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust would prove invaluable in confirming the trim and colour as well as corroborating that this is...