Description
This beautiful Island Blue Countryman was dispatched on 28th August 1968 and supplied new by Voss Motors of Liverpool. The car spent its early life in Merseyside and was latterly parked in a garage in Wirral in 1981 by its then owners with approximately 80, 000 miles on the clock. The Mini remained in hibernation for some 24 years.
There are currently only 81 Austin Mini Countryman MKII models known by the register in the entire world. There was very nearly only 80, as this wonderful example was dangerously close to been scrapped back in 2005. The then owners were in the process of moving house and a Mr Stubbs was told by his wife, "we're not moving with the Mini”, and ordered it to be scrapped. Thankfully a new home was found instead when the rescuer/ restorer bought it and embarked on a comprehensive five-year restoration program.
HLG 49G was the subject of a ground up project which started in July 2006 and was completed in December 2011. The project was not only documented with a photo restoration which is included in the history file, but was also featured in Mini Magazine. The vast amount of work included the 998cc engine was rebuild, fully stripped body with a bare metal repaint, rebuilt gearbox, overhauled braking system, front and rear subframes powder coated, new carpets and an unleaded cylinder head conversion. Astonishingly, the Mini also boasts its original wood which was sanded and coated with four layers of yacht varnish.
This great little car has come to us as part of a collection and presents very well, testament to the restorer back in 2011, but not surprising considering the car has covered less than 10, 000 miles since its major works. The Contryman drives superbly and boasts a period webasto style sunroof. Despite been restored, the Mini retains an honest, original feel which is very difficult to capsulate when undertaking such a large project.
The ‘Woody' will undergo a check over in our workshops for the new owner, and will be ready to use and enjoy for many years to come. Very hard to come by in such lovely condition, and an opportunity not to be missed.
