1969 AUSTIN MINI VAN - LHD

This Austin Mini Van is an appealing and subtly upgraded example of the marque’s compact load-lugging classic. Under the bonnet is a peppy 1275cc A-series engine producing around 60bhp,allied to a four-speed gearbox, both of which were sourced from an Austin/Morris 1300 by the second owner. The odometer reads 90,000km, or 55,923 miles, though this is not warranted.

Originally supplied new to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, this Longbridge-built left-hand-drive export car was first owned by a grocery shop in the region, before being sold to the second owner who used it as a support vehicle on classic tours. During this time, it was upgraded to the aforementioned engine and remote change transmission.

During the early 2000s, the car was given a basic cosmetic refurbishment and repaint before heading to its third owner – a well-respected competitor in the Canary Isles motorsport scene, and a friend of both the second owner and the current fourth owner. The Mini Van was brought to mainland Spain in 2018, when all local duties were paid to make it a fully EU taxes-paid vehicle.

Finished in white, which is understood to be the original factory hue, this Mini Van’s body had some basic repair work undertaken when it was refurbished around 15-20 years ago. While it is understood that no welding was required, and furthermore that it retains the original panels, chassis and subframes, some filler was used to prep the body and the paintwork is described as being in fair driver condition today.

The rear door window rubbers were refreshed in 2019, and the van wears period-correct bumper overriders and corner protectors. The car rides on rare 10-inch Cosmic Mk1 wheels, which were professionally refurbished in March 2019 and are free of kerb marks and other damage. Four new Falken tyres in the correct 165/70/10 fitment were installed in March 2019, with only 300km covered on them to date. The spare wheel is in original condition, with the tyre most likely requiring replacement.

Moving inside, the Mini’s interior is a minimalist delight. Compared to the workaday appearance of a standard van, the addition of a wooden dashboard, Les Leston wood-rimmed steering wheel and wood gear knob given this example a touch of sophistication. The walls and floor of the van are in excellent condition, having been repainted with the rest of the car in the early 2000s, and it is fitted with carpets and floor mats.

The vendor advises that new a new headlining and sun visors have recently been fitted, while the folding rear seat bench is a period conversion that works well, and adds even more versatility. The vendor states that all electrical items and locks are in working order.

Its most recent service was carried out by Taller Marcos of Bocairent, Spain in April 2019. This entailed a complete braking system overhaul, with a new master cylinder installed. The engine oil and filter was changed, with new coolant and a replacement fanbelt added. The wheels were also refurbished at this point.

The most recent Spanish ITV roadworthiness test was carried out in April 2019, and is valid until 2024.

Now ready for its next owner, the Mini Van will be supplied with its original jack and wheel brace. A handful of recent invoices will also accompany it, though there is little in the way of previous service history.

Offering pint-sized fun and character in spades, this Austin Mini Van features sought-after period-correct aftermarket extras and is presented in good mechanical order. With known ownership and only four keepers from new, it has avoided the heavy use and damage often associated with these classic commercial vehicles. With a useful load bay, it could easily be pressed into use as a charming delivery vehicle for a small business, just as it was when new in 1969 – even in London Congestion Charge areas – or simply enjoyed as a practical classic in private ownership.

This car is currently located in Spain, and specialist Italclassic is managing the sale on behalf of its private owner. This business is happy to assist the next owner with transport logistics, and advises that shipping to the UK or Benelux countries is likely to cost around €800.

As this car is not UK-registered, it cannot be run through Collecting Cars’ standard online HPI check process.