1994 | Mini Cooper 1,3i

• One of just two examples ever build of Radford Mini De Ville Long Wheelbase
• One of the rarest Mini Coopers in the World, a true icon!
• Built by London-based coachbuilders, Radford, a name that evokes images of luxury and bespoke craftsmanship
• Just 10,500 miles since new
• Radford Mini’s were rare and expensive when new and actually cost more than a Rolls Royce Shadow and only £250 less than a Lamborghini Miura
• It truly is a spectacle to see a Radford Mini in such sublime condition
• All the Radfords were painted with colors from the Rolls Royce catalogue
• Nardi steering wheel
• Harold Radford Coachbuilders plate presented on the sills
• Electric tilt sunroof with blind
• Lamb’s wool carpets
• Kenwood radio with speakers
• Electric windows
• Famous Radford Mini Owners included, all four Beatles, Peter Sellers, Steve McQueen, James Garner and many more!

Built by London-based coachbuilders, Radford, a name that evokes images of luxury and bespoke craftsmanship.

The Mini de Ville was announced by Radford in April 1963.

It was the first time a Mini had been given an opulent and luxurious makeover.

In an interview with Giles Chapman, Radford boasted that he came up with the idea for the super-luxury Mini Cooper. “I had the idea that there were an awful lot of Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners who wanted a small runabout car different to the normal Mini, so I decided to produce what was essentially a mini-Rolls, that being a Mini that matched a man’s Rolls-Royce in every detail – paint, trim, electric windows, stereo – everything he wanted. This caught on, and we were soon doing four or five a week. It came to be known as the Radford Mini.”

Following a period of success, the company failed to produce a car from 1967 to 1977 and was duly dissolved.

However, in 1989 for car designer Chris Humberstone revived the Harold Radford name.

After a few years milling about in F1 with the likes of Mclaren and Benetton, Humberstone decided it was time to bring back the Radford de Ville Mini in all of its glory.

Mr. Humberstone, set up a shop in a showroom just off Baker Street in London.

Sadly, in 1966, after a change of ownership, Harold Radford (Coachbuilders) Ltd. found itself unable to meet its liabilities and was placed in voluntary liquidation.

A new company was formed the following year in an attempt to continue the business, but in effect, a great chapter in British motoring history had come to a close.

Radford Mini’s were rare and expensive when new and actually cost more than a Rolls Royce Shadow and only £ 250,- GBP less than a Lamborghini Miura.

Famous Radford Mini Owners included; All four Beatles, Peter Sellers, Steve McQueen, James Garner and many more!

One of the most famous Radford Minis was owned by none other than the legendary musician, Sir Paul McCartney.

His custom Mini, often referred to as the “McCartney Mini,” featured a range of personalized touches, including a luxurious leather interior, a bespoke paint job, and even a record player installed in the dashboard.

Radford Minis became a symbol of style and individuality, attracting a diverse range of clientele.

From actors to sports stars and socialites, owning a Radford Mini became a statement of taste and sophistication.

The unique combination of the Mini’s fun and agile nature with Radford’s custom craftsmanship made these cars highly sought after.

The legendary British coachbuilders Harold Radford signed also:
– The famous Family-friendly Aston Martin DB5 Shooting Brake by Harold Radford, sold for $1.765m at the Sotheby’s Monterey auction in August 2019,
– The 1950 Bentley Mark VI Radford Countryman
– The 1959 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud I conversion by H.J. Mulliner and Radford

 

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
This highly unique Mini, is the only known Right Hand Drive Long wheelbase Radford Mini de Ville ever built.

It is known that two long wheel base examples were built in total.

Both were built for Costas Los, owner of Radford when Chris Humberstone was at the helm.

Based on the Mini Sprite Cooper S, it was factory built in 1994 and stretched professionally by Radford by approximately 5. 5″ in the doors / roof.

The specification includes a fully de-seamed body, wheel arches, electric glass tilt & slide sunroof and custom interior.

Air conditioning, electric windows, full Beige Connolly leather interior (including the headlining) with Blue piping.

A comprehensive dashboard with many additional dials in keeping with the original Radford design.

Front armrest which incorporates electric window switches, burr walnut wooden dashboard wood, split rear seats with fold down for access to carpeted boot area, 13″ Special Radford alloy wheels with Radford centre caps Radford badges and all Radford extras in their 1990’s specification.

 

CONDITION EXTERIOR
This specific example is built to a very high standard with immaculate Rolls-Royce Midnight Blue paintwork.

The Rolls-Royce color is just fabulous and our personal favorite. The car looks rather big which makes her even more impressive to look at.

The body of the Mini is very nice. The car has been mostly in the garage and not been used.

The wheels are in a nice order and the windows are without scratches.

The aluminium around the windows are also in a nice order.

 

ENGINE BAY
Off-course the engine bay has to be very clean but this part is very nice which is normal after such a low amount of Miles.

 

CONDITION INTERIOR
The interior of the Radfort Mini is probably the most impressive part of the car. It is made with the highest quality materials.

It is difficult to explain but if you open for the first time the door of a Radfort Mini you immediately understand the uniqueness of this car.

The interior details ramain immaculate with hardly any signs of ageing and wear.

The Beige Connolly leather is wrinkle and crease free and looks as though it’s fresh out of the factory.

The luxurious aluminium details bare not a single scratch nor blemish.

It truly is a spectacle to see a Radford Mini in such sublime condition.

The interior is in an incredible state of preservation, everything is original, even the woolen carpet!

One could see on the drivers seat that the car has been used very scarcely.

 

DRIVING EXPERIENCE
This bespoke Mini is a real standout and it offers a delightful driving experience.
The sound, the power and the feeling you get when you drive the car is very nice. The Mini drives as it looks, so very very special.

The handling of the Mini is amazing. Therefore the Mini was so successful during it’s life on the rally roads and the race tracks.

The handling is great, the gearbox is shifting well, the clutch feels good and the brakes are very adaptive.

We always have Mini’s in our private collection and when we drive them they always give a lot of pleasure.

It was a truly spectacle for us to be able to buy a Radford Mini in such sublime condition.

As Mini enthusiasts it’s the summum to own a very impressive LWB Radford Mini.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire an extremely rare, extremely luxuriously specified, stunning Mini.

One of the rarest Mini Coopers in the world, a true icon!

 

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.