1988 Austin Mini Designer Mary Quant |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1988 Austin Mini Designer Mary Quant

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Mileage~69,697
TransmissionManual
Engine1.0L
LocationLytham St Annes

AUCTION CLOSED

1988 Austin Mini Designer Mary Quant

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

Known for creating the iconic mini skirt, this limited-edition Mini is a fitting tribute to the legendary Mary Quant.

In 1988, Mary Quant designed the interior of the Mini for a limited-edition version. It features black-and-white striped seats with red trimming, red seatbelts, and Quant's signature on the upper left quadrant of the driver and passenger seats. The steering wheel includes Quant's signature daisy, while the bonnet badge has "Mary Quant" written above the signature. The headlight housings, wheel arches, door handles, and bumpers were finished in "Nimbus Grey" instead of the more common chrome or black finishes.

This car comes to market from ~1 year ownership. It's a genuine Mary Quant that has had a few choice tweaks to it over the years. Classic Minis are fantastic fun to own, with a wide selection available when searching for one to buy. However, special-edition models like this Mini Designer Mary Quant truly stand out from the rest.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Dorothy the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I purchased the Mini as a car to jump in and have some fun driving.

Dorothy purchased the Mini around a year ago with the idea of owning a classic car that’s easy to drive and enjoyable. She sold another classic car with us, an Escort RS2000 last year, so likes to have something fun to turn to.

However, with a house move on the cards and a lack of storage at the new place, the special-edition Mary Quant Mini is now in need of a new home. Dorothy will be on hand to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Dorothy

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

With just two colour options available for the Mary Quant edition, this one is finished in Jet Black.

Wheels and Tyres

The Minilite-style wheels are in very good condition overall, with just a small kerb mark on the front nearside wheel. The tyres are all matching and have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery for a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in good order, with equal panel gaps. There is a small amount of blistering just below the windscreen rubber in the centre and a slight ding in the boot lid which could possibly be revoed by a paintless dent removal specialist. All of the bodywork is said to be original.

We’ve detailed our observations through high-resolution images and videos, so please review all the media files to assess the car’s condition.

Paint

Finished in "Jet Black", the Mini presents well, with high gloss and superb reflections. As you'd expect for a car of this age, there are minor blemishes here and there that come with time, there's some flatness to the paint that runs down to the ground from the door handles as pictured.

Images taken from various angles provide a comprehensive view of the car. Please review these high-resolution images and videos to form your own opinion of the paint’s condition.

Glass and Trim

The windows are in good condition, although the wiper on the passenger side has caused a light scratch. All the seals appear to be in good condition with no signs of perishing. Dorothy noted that the offside quarter window sits slightly lower but confirmed it doesn’t leak or cause issues.

A Webasto-style roof is fitted and works as it should. This is believed to have been a dealer-fitted option when new, although this cannot be confirmed. The Mary Quant edition originally came with Nimbus Grey bumpers and arches, which have been replaced at some point by a previous keeper with chrome bumpers and black arches. These are in decent condition, the chrome showing age in some areas.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The striking black-and-white striped interior is unique to the Mary Quant edition.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are finished in a distinctive black-and-white fabric and are in very good condition. While the Mary Quant logos have worn off, their original placement is visible. The red seatbelts have been replaced and are in good working condition.

The carpet throughout the cabin is in good condition with no signs of excessive wear.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

As you know a Mini dashboard is minimal. The instruments work correctly, and the odometer shows ~69,697 miles.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original three-spoke leather steering wheel shows signs of age around the rim, and the Mary Quant logo remains intact in the centre. The gear knob is in good condition, with the gear markings still clearly visible.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The 998cc A-Series engine is reliable and perfectly suited to the Mini.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts easily with a touch of choke and runs smoothly, with no issues reported. Recent work includes a new water pump and, in 2020/2021, new spark plugs, HT leads, distributor cap, rotor arm, condenser, and a full strip-down of the carburettor, which also received new jets.

The four-speed gearbox shifts smoothly, and no unusual noises have been noted from the transmission.

Suspension and Brakes

The Mini sits as expected and handles well on the road, with no knocks or bangs from the suspension. The brakes function as they should, bringing the car to a halt smoothly and without juddering.

The Drive

Driving the Mini is a great experience. It’s lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and ideal for city driving or enjoying twisty B-roads on a sunny day.

Electrics and Other

All the switchgear is in very good condition, with no significant signs of wear, and everything is reported to work correctly to the knowledge of Dorothy.

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History and Paperwork

This is a lovely example of the Mary Quant Mini, which is in largely original condition, coming to market from ~1 year ownership and ready to be enjoyed.

The car comes to market from ~1 year ownership with two ignition keys, two door keys, and previously went through the UK Mini's competition website in 2022. Although paperwork is limited to a few invoices for parts since 2020, There is a current MOT, which is valid until 02 February 2025, and it passed with no advisories.

A perfect opportunity for any Mini enthusiast to own the desirable Mary Quant special-edition model.

We’ve conducted our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and also actioned a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional check by HPI that highlights if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or has any outstanding finance. Note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our view of the car based on information from the seller above. As you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high-resolution detail—this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. Please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to assess the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed for all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time—we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can’t be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car—just like in a traditional auction house.