Comprehensive selection of bills and invoices documenting thousands spent
Beautifully presented
Fully rebuilt engine
The Appeal
As classic cars go, the Mini is one that needs very little in the way of an introduction. Voted Car of the Century by Autocar magazine, Alec Issigonis’s motoring masterpiece is revered the world over – and not without good reason.
After all, over four million were sold, and there are very few people in the UK who don’t have a Mini memory of one form or another, be it through owning one, having a family member with one or simply fond memories of seeing them on every street corner.
This one is one of the coolest Minis of the lot – a woody wagon variant. The timber-framed estate models joined the Mini range in 1960 as either the Austin Mini Countryman or Morris Mini Traveller (there was no discernible difference other than minor cosmetics) and offered much greater practicality than the compact saloon, as well as a level of functionality for those who needed van-like work loading capacity.
This example is a 1968 Austin Mini Countryman Mk 2 – still with external door hinges but with a lively 998cc powerplant. It has been owned and dry stored by the vendor for several years but was recommissioned and part-restored during 2020 and 2021 and is presented in excellent condition throughout.
Most of the restoration work on the Mini was carried out by the vendor who is a clear perfectionist and has spent a lot of time on the car. He retrimmed the cabin himself, recovering the seats in an original style material purchased via a well-known Mini specialist.
The door cars were also recovered in matching material, while he made the carpets himself from pattern made from the originals. The boot floor mat appears to be the original.
It’s in great condition, the only minor detractions being a very small mark on the lower front dash rail and a small tear in the headlining above the back seat. The vendor is awaiting the material for this and if arrives in time it will be included in the sale.
The outer wood frame of the Mini Countryman is structural, so it’s reassuring to see that it’s in fine order on this example having been carefully preserved. The rest of the body was restored by the vendor, with him describing it as a “solid basis” to start with. The sills have been replaced and it has been partially repainted in cellulose Island Blue, though as much of it has been preserved as possible. As a result there are some minor imperfections here and there, such as a small bubble on the bonnet and a couple of uneven marks on the screen surround, but nothing of any import.
It looks great from all angles, with excellent chrome and brightwork, while what we could see of the underside was in good order.
Turn the key and the Mini fires up eagerly and with very little choke before settling down to a typically chattery idle. It runs sweetly and sounds fabulous, while it doesn’t appear to burn oil and maintains a steady temperature. Naturally, it’s an absolute hoot to drive, as Minis always are.
The gearbox engages all forward and reverse gears as it should and it performs really well. The engine was completely rebuilt during the car’s recommissioning however, as the engine has covered less than 50 miles (48 to be precise) since it was rebuilt it may still need ‘Running In’.
How cool is this? One of the most desirable Mini variants in a fabulous colour, comprehensively and sympathetically restored by a perfectionist owner. It’s a fabulous thing in terrific overall condition.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1968 Austin Mini Countryman
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