1963 AUSTIN A110 WESTMINSTER Mk I MOD RHD. These large-bodied FARINA design cars were fitted with 3-litre (2912cc) straight six engines, and normally had Manual 4-speed with Borg Warner Overdrive gearbox feeding the rear wheel drive back axle – there was an Automatic transmission available, but it seems the majority were manufactured as Manual cars. In conjunction with the identical bodyshell WOLSELEY 6/110 and the VANDEN PLAS PRINCESS with RR-Engine the BMC and British Leyland Group fought against the offerings of JAGUAR, ROVER, HUMBER, and others for market share. The “Westminster” was the entry-level derivative of the three big-bodied FARINAs with a slight lesser specification to the up-market WOLSELEY. Yet today the DVLA only shows 2023 Q2 with 40 registered and 12 SORN. Surprisingly, even though the Westminster had a lower purchase price when new, there are far less of these cars remaining – kindly refer to my Wolseley 6/110 model also currently advertised on this site. The car offered here has got to be one of the very best in still totally original condition with very few blemishes. Bought new in Johannesburg, South Africa during 1963, this Mk I version, resided in the upper region of the “Great Karoo” semi-arid desert at 1,300 metres above sea-level, from new. Until five years ago when bought by the second owner for his private collection in the same region. Since, she has had every whim treated by her resident 3-man crew that maintain, clean, and polish her regularly, along with the rest of the cars within this existing Classic Collection that is displayed privately in his Car Museum – which here again is situated in arid semi-desert terrain, ideal climate for storage of classic cars. All the cars are driven at least once a month on a Sunday, because its quiet and virtually no traffic to interrupt a cruise in the suburbs of a small town, while testing all of the car’s responses. In years past, pre-Covid - all these cars at one time or another were entered in to an annual “Touring Rally”. I think we all acknowledge that cars must be driven. You must admit that this car is “straight”, and moreover its adamantly clear that the Lady was respected, loved, and cherished, without also observing her meagre genuine odometer reading of only 75,732 miles, and very solid chassis and underbody. And, in my opinion, the owner is right, his collection has not clocked over 99,999 on their five-digit odometers. This is validated just by sitting in the car. So, in conclusion, a nice, well-presented car, that like most low-volume selling cars in South Africa back then, were full imports and not CKD-with Local Content, this normally meant that being a full import from the Cowley Plant that every available option box was ticked – hence a fully specified car was the only choice. The Purchase Price of this car is difficult to peg, they are few and far apart in coming to the market, and seem to float around £15,000 mark, yet an Austin Westminster is currently advertised at £25,000 for a car that had rust, needed a total glass-out respray, and new interior, etc.! The real yardstick is the DVLA only shows 2023 Q2 with 40 registered and 12 SORN. I believe this car to be worth more than the asking price at £12,100, as this includes all costs amounting to £6,100 to export from SA, and pay for all arrival, delivery to warehouse, and HMRC Import VAT, and new MoT. I’ll also get her Heritage Certificate just to ensure the ease of you registering the car with the DVLA on period Black Plates. Ask yourself this question; “Do I want a fully restored car for £25,000, or do I buy an original with no rust example for half the price? Of course, it’s a “no brainer” …! Thanks for looking, I’ve been a Private Broker on behalf of both the Seller and the Buyer, for the past 30-years – time flies when you are doing something you love. This car simply must go to preferably to an A110 fanatic – it’s not about the money – it’s about the buyer being prepared to look after this car on a par with the two previous owners! But, no … you can’t have the car for nothing! Life is not a rehearsal, so don’t procrastinate - just call me on either number or email with your number and convenient time to chat - because it’s only money and this is surely a very safe investment.