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Mini Morris Van

Mini Morris Van

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Mini Morris VanMini Morris VanMini Morris VanMini Morris VanMini Morris Van
Mini Morris VanMini Morris VanMini Morris VanMini Morris VanMini Morris Van
Mini Morris VanMini Morris VanMini Morris VanMini Morris VanMini Morris Van
Mini Morris Van
Lot number 51
Hammer value £6,300
Description Mini Morris Van
Registration 888 ABO
Year 1962
Colour Grey
Engine size 898 cc
Chassis No. MAVH176256
Engine No. H243865
Documents Buff logbook; MOT October 2016

The idea for Austin's small car for the Sixties 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. Alec 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, although they tended to lead hard lives so few early examples survive.

This smart 1962 model retains its rare smooth roof, later versions having large swages pressed into the metal to add strength and reduce drumming of the large single panel. It was purchased by the vendor around 15 years ago to add to his large collection of interesting cars. He had discovered the van in south Wales, its lady owner having moved into a care home after her husband had died.

As it had been off the road since 1973, the vendor commissioned a thorough restoration, going right through the van from front to back including a comprehensive engine rebuild. He has recently MOTd this most attractive light commercial, its new ticket expiring at the end of October 2016. Practical, economical and simple to maintain, it would make a great promotional vehicle for any small business.

Bidders are advised that the vendor has not had time to reapply for a logbook from the DVLA since the restoration was completed so the van is not being sold with a current V5C. However It does retain its original buff log book which shows six registered keepers up until 1967. The registration number 888 ABO is no longer recognised on the DVLA system so the new owner will need to apply for this to be reinstated in the normal way.

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