1966 Lightspeed Magenta Runabout

Originally offered in both Australia and the UK, buyers could assemble the car themselves, using donor parts from Minis or other small British vehicles. The styling, with angular lines and a minimalist approach to bodywork, emphasized function and affordability over refinement. Yet, for a certain breed of enthusiast, the Magenta offered the thrill of a sports car in a very small and unique package.

Said to have been built from one of the four factory prototype kits made during the development of the model for Mini running gear, this 1966 Lightspeed Magenta Runabout was originally owned by Philip Fieven of Wantage, Oxfordshire. The chassis number it bears is from a 1966 Austin Mini 850 Deluxe, as he used various parts from one for the build. Enjoyed regularly, it was then acquired by Mark Robertson in 2001, who commissioned a restoration of various parts, including the interior of the vehicle. Roberston entered this Magenta in the 2003 and 2004 Mini rallies from London to Brighton and was even awarded second place in the kit car category at the rally-end concours in 2003.

In 2005, this example was imported to the United States an updated with safety features such as a roll bar, three-point retractable seat belts, modern bucket seats, and a kill switch. Acquired by the current collector ten years ago, its powered by a standard-tune 1,275cc Mini Cooper S engine with twin SU carburetors, a sport exhaust, and four-wheel disc brakes with drilled 7.9-inch rotors. Other neat features include authentic 12-inch, eight-spoke Minilite alloy wheels, a brushed aluminum instrument panel with white-on-black gauges, and a clock.

A coveted example among microcar collectors, this fun, sporty, and nimble little Magenta Runabout will be an exciting piece to add to one's car collection or be simply enjoyed for its ease of use at a vacation home, golf course or as handy little grocery getter that will turn heads everywhere it goes.