Description
Rolo, named after his number plate is a very special little Mk1 Austin Mini Countryman.
He has a wonderful history dating back to the purchase by Clarice Parkin in April 1967. Clarice kept every detail of Rolo’s ownership, including every service receipt and bill, including tyres and fuel.
In 1984 Clarice sold Rolo to a neighbour, only to buy him back again six months later. Rolo had a replacement engine fitted in 1982, the engine has now covered approx 55k miles and runs perfectly.
In 1989 Clarice reversed Rolo into her garage and covered him with a rug. There he sat until 2006 when he was discovered along with his last MOT certificate, toolkit, jack and foot pump.
Rolo was then sold by Clarice’s estate with all proceeds going to the Cats protection league. The next owners have restored and maintained him meticulously with no expense spared.
The previous owner Colin, has kept every detail of the works undertaken during his fifteen years of ownership which includes:
2014 Professional restoration by DWW Classic Car restorations, when the front wings were replaced, rear valances and various repairs to floor and wheel arches were undertaken. I have photographs of the restoration.
2009 Disk brake conversion, a valuable safety feature.
I have two large folders full of receipts and information regarding Rolo, this includes a Paddy Hopkirk signed owners manual and the award for Best Post War car at a Churchill Car show.
I purchased Rolo in March 2023, he has had very little use with local journeys and trips to classic car events. In 2025 he underwent a complete recommissioning in preparation for him being used at my son’s wedding. This was undertaken by Thomas Classic and Modern at a cost of £4250 and included:
Complete suspension overhaul; cones, knuckles and hi-los, all new shocks, front tie bars and bushes, lower arm bushes, steering rack.
Rear brakes overhauled.
Fuel pipes replaced
New battery
A full service was undertaken and after a few misfiring problems were encountered an A C Dodd replacement carburettor was fitted, along with engine steady bushes.
Over the winter Rolo developed a water leak, so I have just replaced the water pump and hoses.
Rolo will be sold with a new MOT if required. Rolo is a unique Austin Mini Countryman with so much character, an absolute joy to drive, with all the fun of a mini but with a fantastic boot capacity. Everywhere I go with him I’m stopped by admirers, it is a car that makes everyone smile. I’m sad to see him go but I now have other commitments and a project house so it’s time for someone else to enjoy this well sorted little car.
