Description
A real-life, full-size Dinky Toy! And utterly charming in all respects. When this fabulous little van arrived at Shore Classics today, everybody just had to have a go. Presented in Dark British Racing Green and professionally liveried to resemble a vintage tractor service vehicle, this iconic commercial has already won more than a few hearts and there`s even been a suggestion that we keep it for promotional use. Indeed, it has been used by previous owners for just such a purpose and as a consequence has covered less than 5000 miles in the past 23 years. Commercial variants of any small Austin or Morris are always in high demand and this Mini is no exception. Fun, practical and with bags of nostalgia, what`s not to like!
With a production run spanning 41 years, the Mini has become an absolute icon of British popular culture. Designed for BMC by Sir Alec Issigonis, this diminutive 2-door saloon was initially built at the Longbridge and Cowley plants but it`s huge global popularity saw cars produced under licence in places as far away as Venezuela and South Africa. An estate version and two light commercials, a van and a pick-up, soon formed part of the line-up and when it`s competition potential was recognised, huge rally success came with a string of Cooper variants. Built on the longer Traveller chassis but without the side windows, the Mini Van entered production in 1960 and was built until 1983 with over 521, 000 units produced. It proved very popular from the start as a cheaper alternative to the saloon (being classed as a commercial meant that it didn`t carry sales tax as a car would). Sought-after by builders, garages and small trades alike, the Mini Van was a common sight around Britain but few have survived with online searches suggesting less than 100 exist today of either Austin or Morris badging.
Our van dates from August 1970 and was first registered in Lancashire. We know little of its early life but it is very likely that it remained local to the area, appearing in Manchester from 2001 onwards with just over 24, 000 miles recorded. Around 20 years ago, the van moved to Suffolk and was reputedly restored and repainted and ultimately found it`s way into good company at marque specialists, Cambridge Miniworks Ltd. of Great Shelford. After being prepared for sale, the Mini was advertised and subsequently sold to a packaging company in North Wiltshire in August 2014. The mileage at this point was 29, 330 and promoted as genuine by the seller. The van was liveried up and used purely as a promotional vehicle being parked by day outside the factory and rolled in at night. Within a year, the company had been sold and the new owner, not interested in classic vehicles, asked for it to be disposed of. After an evident unsuccessful campaign on eBay, the Mini was bought by an enthusiast from Bridgwater who removed the company livery and applied his own. Being a vintage tractor collector, the “Field-Marshall” signwriting (a brand of robust, single cylinder tractor manufactured in Lincolnshire from 1945-1957) seemed appropriate. For the next few years, the van was seemingly MoT`d regularly but covered very few miles, being used again for show and promotional use only. In 2021, the Van was passed on to the owner`s son and today, with still less than 30, 000 miles (29, 990 to be precise), it is only for sale as has become surplus to requirements.
I hope the photographs tell the story here. The subject of an older restoration and repaint, the van still presents beautifully. Panel-fit is generally very good and the Dark Racing Green paintwork has a deep lustre, polishing up well. Some panels do display some age-related blemishes and a few minor bubbles are evident underneath the paintwork but the overall effect is still very endearing. Engine bay is tidy and the underside very solid. We do have more photographs that can be provided upon request. The cabin is just as one might hope and expect - all black trim including seats, carpets and door-cards in nice original order. It`s simple and basic but this was an everyday working vehicle in 1970. Turn the key and with a little choke (with the inevitable clothes-peg!), the little A-Series 998cc spins into life sounding very sweet and ever eager. On the road, the van is an absolute hoot. A positive gearchange enables swift progress through to 4th by which time the Mini is cruising happily at 45-50MPH. Typical pin-sharp steering, balanced handling and firm brakes encourage immediate confidence. This is a vehicle that could be used and enjoyed daily and I could find very little to fault. On a rather bright and breezy July afternoon, I took the van for a spin along the coast road from Abbotsbury towards West Bay. The reaction it gets on the road is astonishing with heads turning and that inevitable thumbs up from passing motorists. It is huge fun and yet surprisingly practical.
Our van comes with a small history file to include purchase and sale receipts from around 10 years ago, some handwritten notes, MoT Certificates (the last expiring June 2018), old tax discs, a current V5C and full set of keys. It is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A charming and iconic British commercial ready for work or play.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
