Custom Mini formerly owned by Paul McCartney heads to auction

Two cars formerly owned by members of iconic rock group the Beatles are heading for sale at Worldwide Auctioneers in Auburn, Indiana.

The first can count Sir Paul McCartney among its previous owners. It’s a 1965 Morris Mini Cooper S De Ville – one of only four built for the Beatles and customised by famed coachbuilder Radford.

Radford Minis are particularly coveted and iconic, with the firm notoriously fitting one with a full-length rear tailgate to enable drummer Ringo Starr to fit his drums in the back. McCartney’s is slightly more original, and is presented in California Sage Green paintwork with luxurious leather bucket seats and wooden interior accents.

It’s based on the hot Cooper S, which means it packs the iconic 1,275cc twin-carb engine with a four-speed manual gearbox. Radford additions include that luxurious interior, twin driving lamps, a Webasto sunroof, Aston Martin taillights, power windows and custom wheels.

It was owned by McCartney in the UK, before being exported to the US in the 1970s. The new owner will receive the car along with a folder of documents including many photos of McCartney inside the car. It’s offered without a reserve.

Also on offer is a Mercedes W123 Estate in 300TD form, formerly owned by the late John Lennon. It’s well documented as the last car he ever drove, and is believed to be the first diesel Mercedes estate imported to the US.

The 1979 model has been resprayed and features upgraded wheels with whitewall tyres. It’s less immaculate than McCartney’s Mini but somehow almost as cool, and is also offered without reserve.

Both cars will go on sale at the Auburn Auction on September 1.