Classic Mini

A MINI, TOOTHPASTE, AND A
COMPETITION WIN
BY
ROB
HARVEY
This little British icon was originally built to celebrate
Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee. Only 25 were
produced in this unique silver-over-blue specification.
This particular Mini, though, has a bit more to its history.
I’ve said so many times before that every car comes with
a story. This is particularly true for classic cars that have
passed through several owners over the years. One of
the most interesting stories I’ve heard about recently is
the one that comes with our rare 1977 Leyland Silver
Jubilee Mini.
A COMPETITION WIN
Back in 1977, a school teacher entered a competition run
byGSt
IMA
E Cuthbert’s
S F R O M Co-op
B O Rand
E HColgate
A M M toothpaste.
O T O R W The
O R prize
KS
was this Mini, specially finished to mark the Queen’s 25 years on the throne. The teacher in question, Margaret Irvine,
ended up winning the competition and became the car’s new owner. However, she didn’t have a driving licence at
this point in time.
As a result, the Mini was tucked away
in a garage in Buckstone, Edinburgh.
It stayed there for three years until
Margaret finally passed her driving
test, and even then, it was only taken
out occasionally.
By the time it was sold in 2008, it had
covered just 2,500 miles.
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