Lot details

Year: 1991
Make: Rover
Model: Mini by Lamm Autohaus
Registration: J771 PVC
Chassis No: SAXXNWBMBBD023467
Engine No: 12A2AG01110457
Mileage: 374
•: Family owned from new
•: Just 374 miles from new in time warp condition

The original Mini is considered a British icon of the 1960s and its space saving front wheel layout allowing 80% of the cars floorplan to be used for passengers and luggage, influenced a generation of car makers. In 1999, the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century behind the Ford model T. The Mini world is positively awash with special editions and limited run models. None, however, can surely boast the genuine allure and remarkable scarcity of the Lamm Autohaus produced Mini Convertible of the early 1990s.

By the late 1980s Rover was starting to explore additional niches for the diminutive old-timer to exploit. A convertible option soon became a very obvious contender. Consequently, Rover commissioned an obscure German company based in the little-known town of Achern to produce 75 special Mini convertibles as a “proof of demand” exercise. Lamm were a German Rover franchised dealer but, they had been converting Minis into convertibles since the 1980s and their traditional approach was simple but impeccably engineered. They removed the Mini's roof, added compensatory strengthening and fitted a fabric roof with plastic rear windows built in the “official” Lamm Mini convertibles were more than just a decapitated City, however.

All 75 were Mini Cooper specification cars, featuring the bigger, carburettor fed 1,275cc engine. Revolution alloy wheels were fitted, and a dramatic looking body kit was present. The unique colourway consisted of Pearlescent Cherry Red paintwork with a matching, maroon hood. All 75 cars were built in right hand drive. Sold for over £12,000 in 1991 and were available through just 12 specially selected Rover dealers. Despite the bullish price, demand was, inevitably, strong, with all 75 being sold within a month.

Presented in Pearlescent Cherry Red paintwork with a matching maroon hood, this incredible Lamm edition has travelled only 374 miles from new. The car must be the most original and lowest mileage in existence having been family owned until our vendor purchased the car from the son of the original owner a few years ago. The V5 shows two previous keepers Husband, Wife and Son and to all intents and purposes this is a Mini that in auto parts terms would be termed as new old stock. However, despite its 32-year age, the word “old” seems entirely inappropriate when applied to this remarkable car. As it is frankly time warp in current condition. Consigned by Mathew Priddy