Mini Austin Se7en Countryman

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This lovely looking, London supplied Mini Estate is believed to be the second oldest surviving Austin Seven Countryman, its build date of 16th June 1960 being three months before the official launch date.  It is thought to be one of the prelaunch group of 5 cars produced.

As the Heritage certificate confirms, it was supplied in Tartan Red (as it is today) and with its current registration to a Mr John Buck by Car Mart Limited in Welsh Harp, London and the date of despatch was 25th July 1960.  The only option included seems to be a heater.

It was soon purchased by the second owner, a Mr John Hurford who owned the car for the majority of its life. Offered on Ebay in 2011, it was purchased by the third owner, Mr Nigel Howard who embarked on a sympathetic rebuild in 2012.  The paint was refreshed and the woodwork refinished and refitted although the interior Longstone vinyl trim and cloth headlining were retained. The original engine and mechanicals were rebuilt and detailed and there are plenty of invoices on file for whatever was needed.

Supporting documentation is equally as charming, particularly the hand written invoices, old MOT certificates and tax discs which date back to the mid '60s. There are several old MOTs on file, the earliest being from 1970 when it had covered 41,322 miles.  More recent documentation include exchanges from various Mini Clubs, Registers and owners (to which the car is well known) and a USB stick of photos detailing works completed.

This is a rare opportunity - one of five preproduction Minis Countryman, of the earliest type with the straight gear lever, floor start and internal fuel tank (which incidentally is still in its vinyl shroud), four owners and less than 79000 miles.