1983 Austin Mini Van *Sold £8,200*

Description

• Fully restored
• Just 9,000 miles in the last 10 years
• 1275cc engine fitted
• Overhauled throughout
• In British Racing Green with Old English White Roof

What a pleasure it is to not only see a Mini Van, but to be asked to bring it to market.

The Mini Van was produced by BMC in both Morris and Austin flavours. It was based on the longer Traveller/Countryman floor pan but obviously minus side windows.  Once widespread, they were a popular choice as a light commercial from the moment of launch in 1963 to the end of production.  Simply built, humbly equipped and solidly reliable they were everywhere. Sadly, few remain. Even project Mini vans command a premium. In this condition, they are rare as rocking horse teeth.

Background/History

Our vendor, Mike, has owned this Mini Van for 7 years. As a member of the same Mini Club, he knew the previous owner and Mike managed to buy the van from him in 2015.

And what a Van it is! Fully restored and retrimmed. The on-line MOT shows less than 1,000 miles per year for the last 10 years with not even one advisory note in all that time!

Under Mike’s ownership he has made some additional improvements:

• A respray in the iconic British Racing Green (1972)
• New carpet fitted
• The steering wheel was changed to a smaller one
• New dash was fitted– sourced from Mini specialists, Downton Engineering (Reading)
• Oversized speakers were removed from the doors and smaller ones fitted into air vents
• At the back end, a towing hitch was removed and a previous owner has screwed a huge number plate into the door. Mike ensured that the holes were filled and attended to before the respray
• Bumpers were added and a “proper” registration plate with D shaped lights was fitted

Our very honest vendor, Mike, has advised that the only niggle are some small specks of paint on the driver’s side door frame that have worn and just need a touch up. Image is in the gallery

Inside

The interior is not in the bare utilitarian state we normal see these in. It is a brilliant blend of period updates but keeping the Mini Van feel:

• Brushed alloy six-dial dash board
• Glove box space
• Pioneer radio plus speakers
• Original central rocker switch panel
• Manual choke pull
• Two cloth covered front seats
• Matching door card covers
• Grey floor covering

The rear of the Mini Van hasn’t been overlooked either. Usually these are bare metal, with a couple of rubber mats as an afterthought

• Fitted grey carpet throughout
• Wheel arches boxed and carpeted
• Half carpet on side panels

The fitting-out of the rear has been carefully thought out, prepped and very well executed. It does look great. There’s also a bench seat that comes with the Van.

Outside

The gallery is packed full of images. You’ll make up your own mind about the condition, we’ll pick a  few stand-outs.

• In classic British Racing Green with an Old English White roof – it looks stunning
• The front panel has been updated to accommodate the chrome grille
• Rear quarter bumpers
• All the brightwork looks sparkly
• An original roof vent
• Bendy roof aerial with chrome nodule attached to the roof for ham radio enthusiasts
• Chrome tailpipe
• All the usual suspects for tin worm, the sills, gutter rails, A-panels, etc all look sound

Mike also told us that “the driver and passenger doors I believe are from a saloon as they are hinged from the inside not outside.” 

The chrome mirrors are a lovely touch in themselves and give a great insight into the attention to detail, care and thoughtfulness that has gone into bringing this Mini Van back to life without overdoing it. All at once it is both amazing and amazingly subtle too!

Mechanical

As you’d expect, the theme of careful, period upgrades continues. The 1275cc Metro unit engine has been extensively overhauled.

• Rebore and regrind
• GT pistons fitted
• New cam bearings and followers
• New core plugs, oil and water
• Timing chain and tensioner
• Big ends and mains
• Oil pressure valve and spring
• Oli pump
• New rocker shaft with recon rockers
• New gasket, seal and ancillary set

The gear box hasn’t escaped attention either

• Fully stripped, cleaned and checked
• Crown wheel replaced to 2.9
• Preload reset
• Gaskets, oils and other items replaced as required

Plus front brake discs have been fitted

All in all, the mechanical side of things, this Mini Van is built for reliability, driveability and fun. The modern-ish makeover with many upgrades means you can just jump in and enjoy this marvellous Mini Van

Summary

Well, you can all see for yourselves just how good this Mini Van is. You don’t need us to take your watch from you and tell you the time.

What we have seen in recent years is the rise and rise and rise again of small commercial classic vehicles. Their quirkiness, originality and now utter scarcity have driven prices far higher than their classic car siblings.

In good condition, Mini Vans like other classic commercials are highly prized. We would just add. Our vendor is very grounded and he has reserved this Van to sell. In our view someone is going to grab a very, very good Mini Van and at a discount to the current market. Good luck. Please get in touch with us if you’d like any more information.

Vehicle Location: Reading, Berkshire RG2 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Have a question about this Mini Van? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

 Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s are worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at auction@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

We will always strive to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available. However, we can’t claim to be perfect. Your own analysis is very important and we are here to help and also answer any and all queries you may have prior to purchase.

We offer and positively encourage bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding.

If we do take a physical, as opposed to a remote, look at any of the vehicles on our platform, they are not those of a qualified vehicle inspector or other professional. Nor do they include a test drive unless expressly stated.

As with all vehicles of a certain age, localised paint repairs are common. This specifically applies with classics.

So, please, unless we state explicitly to the contrary, please assume that classic vehicles on our platform could have had remedial bodywork of any kind at some point in its life.

Two final comments on images and photos.

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If you are at all unsure, just ask us. It is what we are here for.

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