I am looking to purchase a classic mini and have looked at the only two I can find for sale near me. The first was a '92. The other is a MKI '66 with a Austin Cooper or Cooper S body number, 12CD engine (I think this is a Sprite) and a 12FE transmission (Austin 1300?).

The transmission was much more difficult to shift in the '66. This was for all gears, not just the non-syncro first. Is this to be expected?

The turn signals didn't cancel, or make noise, on the '66 is that normal? Unfortunately I didn't check to see if they were actually flashing.

Any ideas what the '66 would be worth? The body was recently restored and looked good. Subframes seemed solid. It is converted to dry suspension. The suspension seemed a little looser and softer than the '92. Interior is average and not completely original. At a minimum it had different seats.

Yes all mk1 magic wand gearboxes had non syncro 1st gear up untill late 66-67 when the b-type gears were fitted...............

I don't think it was magic wand. My understanding is these have the gear shift lever coming into the car further forward. The location of the lever was similar to the '92 I drove. I could be wrong though since I am still learning.

I was more wondering about the difficult to shift part on all the other gears. Is this normal on these gearboxes, or does it indicate it needs work.

Thanks

Put up a pic of the gear box from underneath and I will tell you what type it is..............