1979 Austin Morris Mini 95 Pick-Up The best we have ever seen

Lot details

Registration No: FVO 26V
Chassis No: XKU1-652168A
MOT: Exempt The subject of an extensive 'nut and bolt' restoration by Williams Minis of Peterborough As good underneath as it is on top Fitted with wider steel wheels for a Cooper S style look

Introduced in January 1961, the Mini Panel Van was based around the same stretched platform as its Pick-Up sibling. Similarly exempt from sales tax as a commercial vehicle, it sported a pressed steel grille, sliding windows and external door hinges throughout its twenty-one year production life. Initially powered by an 848cc four-cylinder, it could be specified with the more powerful 998cc engine from 1967 onwards (both A-series units being mated to the same four-speed manual transmission). Updated in late 1978 as the 'Mini 95' - its gross weight was 0.94 tons - the Panel Van was dropped from the range just four years later. Benefiting from a four-inch longer wheelbase, taller rear suspension turrets and under floor fuel tanks, the Pick-Up / Panel Van derivatives were arguably even more fun to drive than their saloon equivalents.

The nicest Mini 95 Pick-Up we have thus far encountered, ‘FVO 26V’ was purchased by the vendor in December 2010 with the intention of using it as a paddock vehicle to support his race team at the Goodwood Revival. However, by the time that marque specialist Williams Minis of Peterborough had finished refurbishing it the seller had refocused his competition activities on modern GT4 events. As such, the diminutive commercial has barely been driven since completion. Kept in dry storage, the threat of rain meant that we were almost denied permission to photograph it outside! Riding on wide-rim steel wheels shod with 165/70 R10 Falken tyres, the Mini 95 comes with a brand-new tonneau cover and all the appropriate fixings which has yet to be installed (plus the old one as a pattern). Thus, a new owner has the choice of drilling the sides of the Pick-Up bed or fitting a canvas tilt instead. Offered for sale at a fraction of what its restoration would cost today, ‘FVO 26V’ is worthy of close inspection. Accompanying paperwork includes a V5C Registration Document and wealth of invoices.