Deep Sanderson 301 found in Mexico-City (1)

There is no doubt that the number of long-lost Mini based cars that are being found has increased considerably over the last couple of years. But the find of a previously unknown Deep Sanderson 301 in a totally unexpected corner of the world - Mexico-City - well, that even knocked me off my socks. 

About a month ago I was contacted by Henry Davis, who lives in Mexico. He wrote: "Hello, I have been reading your Maximum Mini blog for some time. Occasionally you write about Deep Sanderson, and seem to know quite a bit about them. Well I seem to have found one, and I’m thinking of making an offer to purchase it, but I have no idea about these cars. If I send you some pictures would you be so kind as to help me out understanding the car a little better? Thank you, Henry"

I must admit I was skeptical at first, but when Henry sent me the images there was no doubt that this was indeed a Deep Sanderson 301. And from what I could see it looked like an unmolested road car, which hadn't been touched for a long time. How on earth did it get there? Of course there was more to follow - that's for the next article.

A time warp Deep Sanderson 301 was found in Mexico-City last month

Picture via Henry Davis

Apart from a few very 1970s mods such as the air outtakes, the car is very original

Picture via Henry Davis

Road registered on Mexican historic plates. Badges are protected with Perspex covering

Picture via Henry Davis

A left hand drive car - possibly the only one? Interior seems very original, too

Picture via Henry Davis

This was always a road car. Standard 301 dashboard trimmed with wood veneer

Picture via Henry Davis

Remarkably, the engine is an 850. Note odd Nikki carburetor and signature gearbox

Picture via Henry Davis

The petrol tank in the front is not the long-range one seen in the racers

Picture via Henry Davis

Unusual but signature LawrenceLink rear wheel suspension is all there, too

Picture via Henry Davis