Description
Originally supplied via Brittains of Brighton, this rare Mk2 van is a fantastic survivor of this most useful of the many variants of Issigonis's much loved classic.
Whilst Coopers and 'S's , race cars and rally cars have always held the public attention, the basic saloons, the Elf's and Hornets and perhaps most of all the vans and pickups were a staple of the British High Street from the early '60s. Driven to death and written off by businesses after maybe 5 years or so, they are now amongst the rarest Minis, despite being available as late as the early '80s in essentially the same form.
As with all Minis, the older the better, and 60's Vans are rare. What's the difference between the Mk1 and this very short lived Mk2 version? basically the steering column and the indicator flasher moved to the speedo from the stalk. That's about it. Same peppy 850 with the pudding stirrer gear lever, same minimalist trim. Same buzzing and vibrating interior that means you shouldn't be grinning as much as you are.
Is it powerful? No. Not at all. But is it slow? not as slow as you might think in town and on B roads. The gearing is meant for 10 inch wheels and a low top speed, but it doesn't dissapoint on a sunny day (tip runs have never been such fun). Is it a long distance GT? No.
But is it a comfy 4 seater? maybe. Not yet, but it IS supplied with the very desirable Restall rear seat conversion, and the rear bed is already marked for it to be fitted. You basically trim back the rear load bed, bolt it in and it folds up to give rear seats with the longest leg room this side of a limo!
Despite being supplied in Sussex, by 2016 or so it seems to have made it's way up to Scotland. It appears that the restoration was completed prior to this date and after a couple of owners I picked it up as a light project a couple of years ago and have carried out a fair few recomissioning jobs:
Clutch slave and release bearing changed
New diff seals and drive couplings (original QH)
New Electronic ignition/ Distributor
Additional gagues and power sockets
New fuel lines and electric pump
I even tracked down the period correct Black commercial wing mirrors and the black (as opposed to chrome) window rubber infill strip
It has just been fitted with a New Old Stock pair of period aftermarket seatbelts (the price of which haunts me!)
Reason for sale - I simply haven't used it for the last year and it's too good to sit idle.
It's finished in the original Willow Green, probably the best of the commercial range, and now famous from Nick Swift's Racing minis.
Accompanied by V5c, Heritage certificate, copies of period sales materials, instructions for the new seatbelts as well as a reconditioned radiator, new water pump and hoses I planned to fit as well as a new mechanical fuel pump (I think the electric one is maybe a wee bit strong for the 850) and various other spares and paint.
This is not a 100 point show car, and all the better for it. It is a good honest and very presentable example of a charming derivative in the mini range and one that brings a smile to everyone who sees it. People of a certain age WILL want to talk to you.
And of course, it is as Instagram friendly as it is possible to be, and entirely tax deductable as a business expense for all you tradesmen and Coffee roasters. It would look AMAZING sign written with a logo!
Photos give fair representation of the condition of the vehicle. It drips oil like every classic
Car is located in Midlothian about 5 miles south of Edinburgh.
I am sorry, but I admit I have a very low tolerance of those who like to knock a fairly priced car because it isn't a concourse winner. If that is what you want, go and spend £25k, don't expect me to price mine as a project so you can do work it doesn't need. You want perfect? Go and buy a perfect one and haggle until you can afford it.
Price is fixed. If you prefer I can say it's £15, 000 ono if you like to watch Wheeler Dealers and want to think you can drive a bargain, but it is offered at a very fair price for a genuine '60s van with the aim of getting a straightforward sale to someone who knows the mini market and just how hard it is to find a decent honest van, let alone one with the details right and with the rear seat conversion ready to fit.
