Austin Mini 95 Van

The idea for Austin's next small car came about with the onset of the Suez fuel crisis. Len Lord, Austin’s Chairman had a vehement dislike of the crop of micro-cars which were filling the streets and demanded that the company emulate the pre-war success of the Austin Seven. Issigonis was given the task and the rest is history, his masterpiece ranking alongside the Beetle as one of the great motoring icons of all time.

By 1960, BMC had introduced a van version of the Mini Traveller estate car. Distinguished externally by its lack of rear side windows and a simple pressed steel grille, it had a modest ¼ ton payload but offered nippy, cheap and reliable deliveries for untold numbers of businesses. Furthermore it could be fitted with the rear seats from the Traveller, so the driver could reassure himself that he had saved a large wad of cash by not paying Purchase Tax (being a commercial vehicle) although this was rather at the expense of his rear passengers who were likely to develop tunnel vision! This handy tax dodge helped to ensure that over 520,000 of these miniature vans were sold.

In 1978 it was re-named the Mini 95, a reference to the .95 ton gross vehicle weight, the model carrying on until 1982 when production finally ceased.

This super 1979 example has been in one family ownership from new during which time it has covered just 38,000 miles. It comes with a comprehensive history file and is fitted with the factory supplied rear seat. Described by the vendor as “driving really well and in lovely all round condition”, it is MOTd until October and has recently had fresh tyres and a new exhaust. Ready for work or show, these Mini vans are now a rare sight, especially in this condition and with such low mileage.