Mini covered in three decades of rust set to fetch £12,000 at auction at the NEC

A remarkable ‘garage find’ Mini covered in three decades of rust is set to go under the hammer.

The eye-catching 1275 GT model was uncovered in a locked Buckinghamshire garage, where it has been gathering dust since 1990. Classic Car Auctions (CCA) say the car will need work to get back on the road, but offer an estimate of £10,000 - £12,000.

The lot description says the motor had one owner from new, with just 11,836 miles on the clock. It describes the car as finished in bronze yellow over black vinyl, with bodywork and interior in remarkable condition.

While not known why the Mini was padlocked away near Aylesbury, stickers indicate the next service was due at 13,438 miles and the tax disc expired at the end of June 1990. “We assume the car was taken off the road in late 1989/early 1990,” say the auctioneers.

Richard Greenhalgh, who sourced the car for CCA, says: “The bodywork and interior do seem to remain in remarkable condition. It almost feels as though a soapy wash and a good valet would have it back in shape. The engine bay however, is not so good and the car will undoubtedly need a full mechanical recommission.”

The Mini 1275 GT will be auctioned at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC, Birmingham over the weekend of the 25th and 26th of March.