HIGHLIGHTS

A comprehensive strip down and rebuild with many new and refurbished parts
1000cc Type A engine totally rebuilt by Mervin Johnson in Pettigo, Fermanagh (Classic mini specialist)
Vendor spared no expense bringing this Mini Pickup back to factory specifications and superseding them in most areas - including a £5500 respray
Attention to detail is stunning, even down to the pedal rubbers
New clutch and brakes
Refurbished original gearbox

THE APPEAL

The iconic Mini produced from 1961 until 2000 was voted the second most influential car after the Ford model T.

It wasn’t just the four seater saloon that was a hit. There were a few notable variations in style of the Mini over the years, all of them had their own personalities and charm. There is the Clubman estate, a panel van, the Mini Moke and the Pickup which we have here for auction.

The Pickup model, which had the same overall dimensions as the panel van, was in production up until 1982 and proved to be a very useful work vehicle.

Measuring in at just 11feet (3.4 metres) from front to back and with a total weight of just 680kg, it wasn’t made in huge numbers. There were only around 58,000 produced, which equates to just 1% of all Minis made, so they are seen a lot less often than even the panel vans.

The lightness of the pickup combined with front wheel drive makes them fun to use, and they are extremely practical with the drop-down tailgate. The later upgrade to a 1000cc engine combined with four speed gears was enough to power the Pickup in everyday use.

They were a very attractive purchase when new as they were exempt from sales tax. They suited the tradesperson who didn’t need creature comforts, just something reliable and practical.

Some noticeable features of the Pickup endured compared to the original Mini include the pressed grille at the front, sliding windows and external door hinges, which remained unchanged during production.

The Pickup benefitted from a four-inch longer wheelbase than the Mini, taller rear suspension turrets and under floor fuel tank. It has been said that the pickup / panel van derivatives were arguably even more fun to drive than their saloon equivalents.

John Sheppard, who did the original design for the Mini Pickup was very humble and was quoted as saying to make the Pickup design, “We just cut the top off a van”. Anyone who drives the pickup will probably tell you there’s far more to it than that (the added strength on the door pillars for example).

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

The current vendor bought Pickup in 2005 and dry stored it prior to the restoration
The Pickup has been totally restored to beyond factory quality
Loads of documented photographs of the strip down and rebuild
£5500 strip down and respray to the original factory green
Taken to be the original engine and gearbox
V5 present

THE INTERIOR

New leather door strap restraints
New internal window runners
New steel kick guards on the door edges
New door rubbers
New seat brackets
New door catches and handles
Original headliner is fair but could do with tightening up
Interior light working
Original matching seats show wear with no cracks and well bolstered
New fitted carpets and soundproofing
Original seat belts fitted
New ignition bar
Original steering wheel in good condition
Interior dash resprayed to match outer colour

THE EXTERIOR

Professional respray in original green colour at a cost of £5500
All the lines around the door and body are straight and true
5X new Yokahoma tyres
Replacement door mirrors
Replacement door handles
New metal seam trims
New bonnet catches
Replacement chrome window washer and wipers
New window rubber surrounds
New chrome light surrounds
New factory wheel arches
Original doors in perfect condition
Many new factory panels including side panels, inner and outer wings
Original wheels refurbished and original trims
Original covered gap between the cab and pick up area
New tailgate
New tailgate door hinges and catches
Registration plate and light level up when the tailgate is dropped down
New aerial is the only non-factory option on the vehicle, installed ready for the next owner if they wanted to add a radio

THE MECHANICALS

New front and back subframes
New inner and outer sills
New shock absorbers
All new and refurbished brakes, callipers, pads
New brake pipes
Disc front brakes and drums to the rear
New head gasket
Engine fully stripped and rebuilt by Mervin Johnson in Pettigo, Fermanagh
New coil, distributor, leads, plugs, starter and alternator.
New exhaust
New fuel tank
Totally rewired
New clutch and cables
New throttle cable
New pedal rubbers
New track rod ends
New suspension mounts
New floors, treated and painted both sides in the body colour

SUMMARY

It’s hard to imagine anything more fun to drive that an old Mini, but have you been in a Mini Pick up?

So much fun, and they are practical too.

Today, the Pickup is a rare sight at meetings and get-togethers. It’s hard to imagine how serious a proposition this tiny vehicle was at the time. It was a loyal servant and working-class hero to all those faced with a solid day’s graft.

This is an excellent example of a “No expense spared” labour or love restoration rebuild. We would say its hard graft is behind it now and is looking forward to a pampered future.

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.

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