Mini 95L

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The idea for a new small Austin came about with the onset of the Suez fuel crisis in late 1956. 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, wood frame and simple pressed steel grille, it had a modest 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 1983 when production finally came to an end.

At the time or writing, we had not had sight of the paperwork for this smart van, although we know it is MoTd until March 2020 with just one minor advisory.

The vehicle has been repainted, following some extensive restoration, which included new door skins, 'A' panels and work to the rear floor – these Mini vans did tend to lead hard lives.

The engine has also been swapped with a peppier 998cc unit, and we are told by the vendor that it goes as well as it looks.