1990 Austin Mini

Mini MK5 (Saloon), 1984-1990

The Mini Mk5 was in production from 1984 to 1990. Styled in house as an evolution of the original Mini, it's a front-engine, front wheel drive saloon seating four adults.

The Mk5 was a relatively minor change to the Mini theme, but it's a noteworthy model for the simple reason that it heralded the real start of the special edition Mini. There had been anniversary editions before, of course, and the 1100 Special, but with the Mk5 Austin Rover went wild. We had the Sky, the Rose, the Red Hot, the Jet Black, the ERA Turbo, the Ritz, the Chelsea, the Piccadilly, the Park Lane, the Advantage, the Racing, the Flame, the Checkmate, the Designer, and several which were never sold in the UK. Most importantly, we had the Cooper RSP in 1990; the car that heralded the return of the Cooper name to the Mini brand before it was made a factory model for the Mk6.

Mechanically, there were some changes too. All models now received front disks - 8.4" diameter, necessitating the fitment of 12" wheels. These wheels, wider than before, also meant the fitment of wider plastic wheel arches and a range both of new covers and alloys. The entry level Mini was the City, with the Mayfair available for those who wanted slightly plusher trim.

The best alternative to a 1980s Mini is the Metro. There, we said it. The car that was designed to replace the Mini offers just as much fun, just as simple mechanicals, just as cost and space effective classic motoring, for a fraction of the purchase price. But we don't buy a Mini with our heads, we use our hearts - and with that in mind we'd point you toward the MK4 and MK6 iterations if you didn't feel that any of the 1980s variations were right for you. You might also consider one of the last of the Allegros, or one of the small hatchbacks from a rival company. The Renault 5, Citroen AX, Peugeot 205 and even the Vauxhall Nova can offer enthusiasts the same sort of freedom that a Mini did back in the day, and are the sort of cars that will attract scores of new buyers into the world of small classic cars.