Description
A real rarity, I discovered this MK2 Austin Mini Countryman in a garage in 2017, where it had been stored since being taken off the road in 1977. With just one owner before me, it was and remains an exceptionally original car, which I have spent the past seven years meticulously restoring while preserving as much of its originality as possible. Now complete, I realise that this fabulous time-capsule Mini is far too good for me, so it needs a new custodian to enjoy it, and preserve it into the future.
The car was stripped of its subframes and mounted to a rotisserie, to allow me to thoroughly and precisely carry pout all the welding work that was required. As far as possible, I opted to carefully cut away corrosion and seam-weld in replacement sections rather than replace whole panels, meaning that much of the original steelwork, including the front wings and panel, remains original.
Once the welding work was complete, the body was treated to a professional underside and external respray in its original shade of Island Blue. Underneath, HB Body Toughliner has been used as an undercoat to provide resistance against stone chips, while on top, a high gloss, gun finish which perfectly matches the original factory finish has been achieved. Inside, the original factory paint remains untouched.
All the suspension has been completely refurbished, with a new old stock rear subframe replacing the rusted original. All components were stripped, painted and/ or powder coated, bushes replaced with polyurethane items for longevity and any worn parts including the rear radius arms refurbished. Brake and clutch master and slave cylinders have all been replaced, as have all the hard and flexible lines, with care taken to exactly replicate the original parts routing. Both hydraulic systems benefit from being fulled with DOT 5 silicone fluid which does not absorb moisture from the air, and promises to be 'fit and forget'.
The engine is an original-era 998cc unit, fully rebuilt with +40 pistons, new bearing shells and oil pump, new clutch and the original gearbox and cylinder head. All the factory original components, date-stamped 1068, remain under the bonnet (I even have the original coil in a box!), and i have taken great care to preserve as much of the original car as possible.
Inside, the seats have received new rubber diaphragms, while the original carpet (though slightly careworn in the driver's footwell) was re-fitted after a though steam-clean. The wheels were refurbished by Tudor Wheels, and shod with OE-spec Camac rubber by Vintage Tyres.
This has been an extensive, yet sympathetic restoration, which preserves much of the car's character while returning it to its factory splendor. I will be more than happy to discuss the car more with any interested parties. Please don't hesitate to get in touch to arrange a viewing.
I am happy to arrange covered transport for the car if desired with a trusted friend, at cost.
