Mini Margo to go under the hammer

A SPECIAL lifesaving Mini will go on sale at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at Birmingham NEC next month to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

Known as Margo following a naming competition, the 1969 Morris Mini Super Deluxe was found by Lancaster Insurance in 2015 and has been carefully restored by the MG Owners’ Club Workshop.

A dedicated web page — www.findminiahome.com — has been created and members of the public have been able to donate to Prostate Cancer UK by selecting a part of Margo, such as wheel nuts and door hinges, each with a different value.

Margo was bought new by her first owner, Mrs Millie Properjohns, in 1969 and kept in Dartford. Millie drove her beloved Super Deluxe until she was 98 years old.

The car was eventually inherited by Mrs Properjohns’ daughter, Joan, when Millie died six weeks after her 100th birthday.

Now returned to her original condition in gleaming Tartan Red, the campaign will reach its climax when Margo tempts bidders at auction when offered without reserve as part of Gaydon-based Silverstone Auctions’ catalogue at its Classic Motor Show Sale at the NEC.

“We’re delighted to be part of Margo’s journey and to be supporting Prostate Cancer UK at one of our biggest auctions of the year,” said Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions.

“Margo has built up quite a following over the years and with no reserve at auction we expect plenty of bidders hoping to re-home her and support this very good cause at the same time, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to charity.”

Already in exceptional, well-looked-after condition, the restoration works included a full engine out strip down, bare metal respray, refurbishment of the original carpets, replacement of both A panels, cleaning and replacement of interior, engine and brakes service and road wheels refurbishment.

Richard Morley, operations director at Lancaster Insurance, added: “Everybody loves a British Mini and we are delighted to be supporting Prostate Cancer UK with this initiative, whilst at the same time bringing a classic car back to its absolute prime.

"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men with 47,000 men diagnosed every year in the UK. We hope to make as much money as possible for the charity, whilst also raising awareness of prostate cancer within the classic car community.”

Margo will be auctioned on day two of The Classic Motor Show runs, which from 11th to 13th November.