A Mini which was used by workers at the Longbridge assembly factory for years and then abandoned in the tunnels under factory is to be auctioned at the end of next month.
The Mini was left to decay in the tunnels for over 30 years, before being saved in 2012.
It will now be auctioned off by www.silverstoneauctions.com on the 27th of July
More images and the full release after the jump.
Full press release below
PRESS RELEASE
13th May 2013
Last Longbridge Mini up for sale
A salvaged Mini Clubman that lay in the tunnels under the Longbridge factory for 30 years – making it the last Mini to leave the famous site – is being auctioned at the Silverstone Classic Sale.
The iconic car – which was used to travel around the sprawling plant – had been secretly dumped by workers in the late 1970s after suffering some damage thought to be from a storage container falling on it.
However, photos of the famous ‘lost’ Mini emerged and after much searching it was saved by a former factory worker who got permission to remove it in 2012 shortly before the tunnels were due to be filled in – making it the last ever Mini to leave Longbridge.
Now the ‘The Longbridge Tunnel Mini’ is being offered without reserve by Silverstone Auctions at its sale on Saturday 27th July at Silverstone circuit.
Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “Without doubt, this has got to be one of the most fascinating cars we’ve ever secured for auction.
“It made international headlines when it was rescued from underneath the factory and has caused a fair amount of controversy in the Mini community, as some people would have preferred it was left in the tunnels as a hidden memorial.
“However, now that it’s been recovered we’re absolutely thrilled to offer it for auction at the Silverstone Classic Sale and it goes without saying that we expect it will attract a lot of attention.”
Anyone interested in owning a very important slice of British automotive history should remember though that having been abandoned for many decades, suffering wounds along the way and without any sunlight, that this Mini Clubman 1275 GT needs much love and attention to return it to its former glory!
For more information about the Silverstone Classic Sale on Saturday 27th July, visit www.silverstoneauctions.com