The motoring correspondent of The Times reported in May 1963 the Mini while a popular second car in many households was no longer strictly the fashion, the Grande Luxe Mini de Ville by Radford had taken over.

On test in London, he reported, it attracted more attention than a Ferrari Berlinetta with its special colour scheme and trim, sliding sunroof, radiator grille with two more recessed lights, special sound insulation and electric windows.

The car tested by The Times also had white leather upholstery and deep lambswool carpets, tachometer, ammeter, oil gauge, clock, headlamp flasher and water temperature gauge.

Further extras were: a laminated wood steering wheel, automatic red caution lights on open doors, a reading light, cigar lighter, twin-speaker radio and an air blower to demist the rear window.

After the 1967 Earls Court Motor Show The Times recorded that Captains of Industry ordered them, painted them to match their Rolls-Royces and gave them to their wives.

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