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A 44-year friendship will come to an end later this month, when a one-owner from new 1970 1275cc Mini Cooper S goes under the hammer at Barron’s sale at Sandown Park on Tuesday, April 29th.

Brian Constable bought his pride and joy from Wheatsheaf Garage, Chester, in November 1970 – and the car is offered complete with the original purchase invoice, part of a meticulous history file.

Over the past 44 years, Brian has covered just under 87,000 miles in his faithful four-wheeled companion. Not surprisingly, this little car, which has been in constant use, has been cherished, and is in outstanding condition.

Finished in eye-catching – and very ’70s –  Bronze Yellow paintwork with the famous Cooper bonnet stripes, the car is equipped with the sort of period accessories that really made a car stand out from the crowd: a Weathershield sunroof, a custom grille with twin spots, Minilite alloy road wheels, Rokee wood veneer dash, door cappings, Motolita steering wheel and Corbeau seats.

Just 792 Mk3 Cooper ‘S’s were made for the UK market in 1970/71, and, while the paint colour wasn’t Brian’s first choice, he grew to like it over the decades. He paid £1,085, 15 shillings and 11 pence for the car, having negotiated a not insignificant £50 discount on the purchase price.

All good things must come to an end, however, and this charming little car is now being offered for sale for the first time since it left the Wheatsheaf Garage 44 years ago. It carries an estimate of £14,500-£16,000.

For further information about the sale, visit www.barons-auctions.com, email info@barons-auctions.com or call 08454 30 60 60.