About this Collectable

Art on wheels. This MINI 1000 Checkmate has been painted by one of the Netherlands' most famous artists: Herman Brood. Moreover, it is a relatively rare, limited Checkmate edition. This makes this particular example of the iconic British classic also a part of Dutch art history.

Herman Brood (Zwolle, 5 November 1946 - Amsterdam, 11 July 2001) was a well-known Dutch musician and artist. From the 1970s until his death in 2001, he was a public figure and a big name within Dutch Rock 'n Roll. You may remenber his international hit song 'Saturday Night'. Later in his career, Herman turned more and more to visual art. Thanks to the frequent use of primary colours, often supplemented by keywords in black paint, his casual style is considered an offshoot of the Cobra movement. Murals and painting objects and cars are also trademark. This Austin MINI 1000 is a good example.

During an art fair in the IJsselhallen Zwolle in 1996, this MINI was driven onto the fair floor, after which Herman Brood set to work with masking tape, spray paint and stencils cut out of cardboard on the spot. Under the watchful eye of the audience present and a cameraman, Herman provided this MINI with his typical colour patches on various body parts. The creation of this work of art was captured on video, which can be found at the bottom of this lot page. Authenticity is therefore guaranteed.

The 'canvas' for this artwork consists of an Austin MINI 1000 'Checkmate', instantly recognisable as a variant of the iconic MINI. This very compact two-door four-seater was designed in 1956 by BMC to meet the greatly increased demand for small cars caused by severe fuel shortages in England as a result of the Suez Crisis in the same year. To keep the body as small as possible and the interior space large enough for four adults and luggage, several innovations were used. For example, the space-saving platform layout of front-wheel drive with transverse engine in front would remain the standard for many generations of compact cars thereafter. With production from 1959 to 2001, it is also one of the longest-produced cars of all time. Moreover, the MINI was known for its kart-like handling and was very successful in rally racing after being worked on by John Cooper.

This example is an original Dutch-delivered, rare and sportier 'Checkmate' version, which was only produced in 1990 in a limited run of 2,500. The Checkmate sold out immediately and its success led to the introduction of the Cooper the following year. The Checkmate can thus be seen as the pre-production model of the Cooper. It is estimated that around 182 Checkmates still remain.

This Collectable will be auctioned with no minimum selling price ('No Reserve'). The car is thus guaranteed to be sold to the highest bidder, who gets to add this Herman Brood MINI to the collection.

Our opinion

The terms 'Iconic' and 'Unique' are used a lot when selling classic cars. Still, we think both apply to this MINI. How often is it possible to buy a car that is not only special in its own right, but also a true work of art? With a video that is a small piece of Dutch History in itself, but also shows the artist at work (see below). To make the MINI extra special, it is also a Dutch-delivered, rare and limited edition. The ultimate collector's item for both the car enthusiast and the art connoisseur, this 'Art Car' would not be out of place in a garage or gallery. A true Collectable.

Since we are car enthusiasts and do not value fine art, we find it difficult to give a valuation for a minimum selling price for such a special car. It was therefore decided to offer the MINI 'No-Reserve'. The auction ends fittingly on 5 November, Herman's birthday.

Equipment

This car is fitted from factory with:
Limited Checkmate version of 2500 units
Specific Checkmate striping and decals
White roof
12" Minilite sports rims
Sport interior with fabric 'Crayons' upholstery
Dashboard with three gauges
Sports steering wheel

Modifications

The following modifications have been carried out on this MINI:
Bonini exhaust

Remarks

Although the MINI has an MOT and has been stored in a heated location for years, it is primarily intended as an art object. There are obviously some signs of use, belonging to a 32-year-old car and captured in the photos:
Rust on the sills and underside of doors
The windscreen has a crack in the lower right corner
The steering wheel cover could be replaced

Service history

Highlights from recent service history include:
Before listing, the MINI has been serviced after serving as a show model for a long time
In 1994, the MINI received a service at 50,308 km

Included with sale
Original service booklet with stamps (completed till 09-06-1994)
1 ignition key & key filler cap

For over 150 photos and the complete description, please visit www.thecollectables.com