The oldest unrestored MINI in the world far exceeded Bonhams’ initial estimate of netting $19,000 to $24,000 on the auction block. Instead, it sold for $65,000 (£40,250) which undoubtedly makes it the most expensive, unrestored MINI in the world now.

The rare 1959 Austin MINI Se7en De Luxe Saloon was auctioned off on April 30th at the Royal Air Force Museum in England. It’s the eighth MINI of its type and it is believed that only three MINIs in existence are older than this one. If this MINI is ever restored it will lose its unique appearance and distinction, so hopefully the buyer simply uses it as an interesting display piece.

[Source: Bonhams]

Heading to an auction at the Royal Air Force Museum in England on April 30th, 2012 is a very rare 1959 Austin MINI Se7en De Luxe Saloon. What makes this MINI so special is that it’s believed to be the oldest surviving unrestored MINI in the world.

According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, the 1959 Austin MINI Se7en is the eighth of its type to come off the production line at Longbridge back in May 1959. It is believed that only three MINIs older than this one exists in the world today, with one of them on display at the British Motor Industry Heritage Museum in England, and the remaining two somewhere in Japan.

Bonhams estimates that the MINI will go for $19,000 to $24,000 at the auction. It currently sports the factory Farina Grey paint – at least what’s left of it – with only the driver side door having been replaced over the years. The vehicle will come complete including the famous glass washer bottle that distinguished those very early MINI models.

On the inside, the interior is complete as original minus the carpets. Recorded mileage on the odometer is a mere 30,041 miles and as expected, there’s plenty of corrosion throughout the body. It’s worth mentioning that the engine hasn’t ran for many years.

It’s truly a unique opportunity to own a completely original classic, and we hope whoever buys it chooses not to restore it in any fashion.

GALLERY: 1959 Austin MINI Se7en

Journalists understand the severity of consequences if an article somehow breaches public accountability. Former CBC and current Al Jazeera editor Tony Burman once said, “Every news organization has only its credibility and reputation to rely on.”

However, Autoblog has encountered criticism lately after publishing an article where a writer received third party payment for their literary work. During September 2011, writer for Autoblog Jeff Glucker published an article promoting Nissan’s new marketing campaign for its Versa compact. However, it was later revealed that Glucker was also working for the agency running the campaign. Because Glucker did not notify Autoblog of his cash compensations from the PR firm before he wrote the article, Glucker was promptly fired.

More recently (last Thursday, January 12th, to be exact), Autoblog published an article on the Bonhams’ auction of cars and memorabilia that belonged to the late David E. Davis Jr. However, the finishing sentence of the article drew particular attention– “Go to the Bonhams site and start your bidding for a piece of history from the lifetime of a larger than life car connoisseur and story teller.”

Autoblog’s story caught the attention of the self-proclaimed integrity commission of automotive journalism, The Truth About Cars (TTAC). TTAC’s investigation revealed that the author of the article, Matt Davis, happens to be the son of David E. Davis. The assumption (yes, an assumption, but hardly unwarranted) is that the as the son (Matt Davis) would logically benefit from the proceeds of the auction of items belonging to the estate of his father.

TTAC investigated further, calling Bonhams to confirm whether Matt Davis was the owner of the auction items. Bonhams refused to comment as they were responsible of protecting the privacy and the identity of the seller.

TTAC then reached AOL Autos Editor-In-Chief David Kiley, who assured TTAC that Davis did not act or write with the intent of personal gain and did not bring the story to the editorial team, a key difference between Jeff Glucker’s incident. In fact, Autoblog requested and assigned Matt Davis for the piece due to the relationship. Kiley added, “We should have put the disclaimer on it when it was first published, but as soon as I saw it, I corrected that, and we are confident that Matt is not profiting from the auction.”

There are no indications that Matt Davis will be fired from Autoblog because of the Bonhams article.

[Source: The Truth About Cars]