Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A fabulous and early Mk1 Morris Mini Van 850 Light Commercial.
EQUIPMENT
One piece pressed metal grille, two rear wide opening doors, twin wing mirrors, roof extraction ventilator, curved safety glass windscreen, draft-free sliding door windows, double dipping headlamps, floor mounted electric push start, washable headlining to cab, large door pockets, cable type door release, full width facia shelf, interior roof light, wiper switch, mixture control. Factory Options: Passenger seat, recirculatory heater.
EXTERIOR
This smart Light Commercial Vehicle Mini Van is finished in factory correct, Whitehall Beige, the colour it was produced in 1962! A wonderful uniform finish with a bright shine is a testament to the restoration work carried out in 2011 with documented photographs to prove. The underside is body colour and is wonderfully clean and easy to inspect to help ensure structure integrity. The flat roof panel with a single roof vent only fitted until October 1965 before longitudinal stiffening indentations were manufactured is a welcome sign of the originality of this example. The Body number plate is still attached to the slam panel and matches the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and the correct Mk1 Morris bonnet badge is still fitted. The twin wing mirrors were standard equipment to meet commercial vehicle regulations and have been upgraded with chrome items and along with the bumpers are in excellent condition. The correct painted fuel filler cap is a welcome sight so often replaced with a lockable item. Altogether this is a show stopper.
INTERIOR
Incredibly rare to see the original trim in Tan very well preserved. The plain pressed cardboard door cards and matching facia do show markings but are not unsightly and the tan seats are in remarkable condition with no tears. The early type speedometer is in great condition and the red ignition light, orange oil light and blue high beam lights all work. The directional green indicator light on the end of the stalk also functions along with the optional recirculatory heater! Tailored fitted black carpeting adds a touch of luxury to a basic interior and the Bakerlite steering wheel is in excellent condition. An iconic motoring delight in every respect.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The water cooled, overhead-valve four-cylinder engine mounted transversely has a cubic capacity of 848cc and produces 34bhp. Simple mechanics and instant parts availability allow low cost motoring or even home servicing! The engine bay is very clean. The 4-speed gearbox with baulk-ring synchromesh operates well with the original ‘magic wand’ finding gears with ease. Thoroughly useable, immense fun and a world of difference to todays vehicles!
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Pressed steel disc wheels with 4-stud fixing are dressed in classic chrome Mini hubcaps all in excellent condition. Matching Falken SN-807 tyres measuring 145/80 R10 have been fitted in February 2019. The spare wheel stowed in a special compartment between the vehicle floor and load space is present. Braking to all four wheels is hydraulically operated by a pendant pedal with two leading shoes at the front, basic and short of modern standards.
HISTORY FILE
This Mini 850 Van has a certified copy of the factory record from The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust confirming a build date of the 21st November 1962 for the home market and was subsequently registered on the 3rd January 1963 by Meredith & Kirkham Limited. Still in the correct Whitehall Beige and Tan interior this commercial has led a privileged existence and remains one of the few survivors. Just three former keepers are recorded with the last, Mr Coe, owning the car since 2011. His collection solely consists of classic Minis with a total of six consisting of three commercials, two Coopers and a delivery mileage Mini Ritz. Photographs in the history file help substantiate the works carried out and why this desirable and rare Mini Van presents so well today. On the 24th August 2011 the British Mini Club issued a Valuation Certificate for £11,500 with the following comment ‘A well looked after rare Mini Van. Maybe worthy more with good concours results’
HPI Clear.