Just for fun answer: 1959 Mini Austin Se7en ‘Downton’ When the Mini was launched in 1959, it was not called ‘Mini’ at all. There were two different versions which were exactly the same except for the badge and radiator grille. One was known as the Morris Mini-Minor and the other as the Austin Seven or ‘Se7en’. It was, however, the name Mini which stuck. In 1962 the Austin Seven became the Austin Mini and in 1969 the Morris and Austin badges were dropped completely, becoming simply the Mini, as it had long been known to an affectionate public. This particular Mini is one of the oldest surviving Austin Seven versions, made in September 1959 and originally owned by the engineering and turning specialist Daniel Richmond of Downton Engineering. Richmond entered this car for a number of saloon car races, including the support race for the 1960 1,000 km of Spa, employing Jimmy Blumer as the driver. At the Bank Holiday meeting at Brands Hatch in 1960, in the touring car race Blumer had a titanic struggle with Jeff Uren and his bigger and more powerful works Ford Zodiac, the nimble handling of the Mini resulting in Blumer finishing a few yards ahead of the Ford. Richmond also used the Mini for sprints, claiming it could get from 0 to 100mph in just 27 seconds. After Daniel’s early death, his widow Bunty used the car for many years, and bequeathed it in her will to the Trust’s collection. Engine: 4 cyl, 848cc Power: 70 bhp Top speed: 100mph [161 km/h] Price new: £537
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:30:01 +0000
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