Description
Following the Mini saloon’s introduction in August 1959, the van version of BMC’s revolutionary small car arrived in January 1960, followed by the pick-up in 1961. Built on a longer wheelbase than the saloon, the commercial Mini’s front-wheel drive and compact independent rear suspension enabled it to match many more-expensive medium-sized vans for interior space. Identical – apart from the badging – Austin and Morris versions were built for the first nine years, the models being known subsequently as the Mini Van and Mini Pick-up. The latter shared the van’s floorpan and mechanical specification, differing only by virtue of its closed-in cab and open rear load platform. A 998cc engine had become available in 1967 but most customers opted for the more economical 848cc unit. Always more Spartanly equipped than their saloon cousins – the front passenger seat was an option to begin with – the van and pick-up retained the MkI Mini’s front grille, door bins, sliding windows and external door hinges to the end of production in 1983.
This delightful 95’ pick up has covered a genuine 34,000 miles from new- Various MoT’s within the cars file support the mileage. Complete with the selling dealers sticker on the rear window and reported to be in excellent overall condition, the cars drives like new! This pickup has clearly lead a very sheltered life. Finished in white over black and offered with an MoT until December 2015, and UK V5 registration, this little mini would be as “ at home” as a paddock run about, as it would in a museum.
