Automotive nostalgia courtesy of the Pacific Northwest.
This is a Mark IV Austin Mini Cooper (1976-83). The comparison with a slightly different Mark IV says a lot about our definition of “small” cars today.
The Mark IV was cleaned up quite a bit with hidden door hinges supporting larger doors with updated windows. A revised interior featured two stalks (!) as well as larger pedals. This little right hand drive gem isn’t the safest thing on the road, but they sure are efficient and spacious. Just don’t get in a wreck.
Seen in NE Portland
Sterling 827 SL (1987-91). What could be better than a classic British sedan with timeless good looks? One that isn’t plagued by any British mechanical components or electronics, of course. Parent company Austin indulged on the former, providing a venerable 2.5L V6 from its friends at Honda, however they skimped on the latter, filling it chock full of those quality Lucas electrics.
The result was an initial love affair with a practical British car that spiraled into a sales failure and the exit of the brand after 5 short years. A shame, that.
Seen in SE Portland
High-res
Just a couple of British Motor Co. Austin Americas hanging out under the sheets. The America was one of about 17 different variants to come out of BMC in the 60’s under the general name ADO16. This is the only one we received in the States from 1968-72. Based on a little reading at http://www.austinamericausa.com/ it’s safe to say that these are sitting because they don’t work. Shame really, since it seems to have been a pretty nice car for the time,just not prepared for the rainy, damp climate in the Pacific Northwest.
Seen in the SW Portland neighborhood of Raleigh Hills.
