Tickford Mini 1000 HLE

Information

This is a 1984 Mini 1000 HLE with a fascinating history, it was custom built by the Aston Martin coach-builder Tickford at the request of a Saudi Arabian Prince who planned to use it as one of his cars in Europe.

The build process included the front of the car being completely remodelled with vertical rectangular headlights, their grille was deleted, and a front lip spoiler was added along with matching wheel arch extensions. A set of Minilite wheels were added and the outside of the car was finished off with a tasteful silver paint job with red pinstriping and a roof covered on black vinyl (as was the fashion at the time).

Inside the car is where Tickford really went to work, there are Recaro seats trimmed in rich red Aston Martin leather and an Aston Martin burr walnut dashboard, plush carpeting, and a Clarion sound system that’s more comprehensive than many home hifi systems. The red leather treatment was also applied to the doors, dashboard surround, centre console, and rear seats.