1961 Morris Mini 850 Van

Subject to a comprehensive restoration across twelve years between 2008 and 2019
Home market example with Heritage Certificate
A very early example from just the second year of production
Current ownership since 2006 and twice magazine featured since restored
Worthy of close inspection!
Restored with originality predominantly in mind, alongside some usability upgrades
Subsequently voted the second most influential car of the Twentieth Century, the Mini broke cover in 1959. In addition to the standard Saloon, BMC/BL built a variety of other versions including the Traveller, sporty Cooper, and Cooper S models, Clubman and 1275 GT, Moke, Pickup, and the popular Mini Van. The latter was based on the longer platform of the Traveller and had a load capacity of 0.25 tons. Available from 1960 until 1982, it was classed as a commercial vehicle and therefore avoided sales tax; making it a cheaper alternative to a car as well as a handy goods vehicle - some 521,494 examples were manufactured.
Manufactured on the 25th of August 1961 and dispatched to T. Shipside Limited of Nottingham, this home-market Morris Mini Van was finished in Whitehall Beige with Tan interior upholstery. Supplied new to Nottingham County Council, ‘184 LRR’ was specified from new with an optional heater, and the Mini was fitted with the 848cc straight-four A-series engine allied to the four-speed manual 'magic wand' gearbox. Still fitted with an 848cc engine, albeit not the original unit, the vendor informs that the engine fitted is a very close production number to the original fitted. Equipped with a rear seat conversion which is thought to have been completed by a dealership shortly after the initial delivery, the Mini was purchased by the vendor in 2006 and was subsequently provided with a twelve-year-long comprehensive restoration.
Beginning in 2008, the shell was renovated with repairs to as many panels as possible to maintain originality with any full replacement panels supplied by British Motor Heritage Limited or M-Machine panels. The subframes and suspension components were shot-blasted and powder-coated, before fitment to the professionally repainted bodyshell. A fully reconditioned braking system (with upgrading to 'Cooper S' specification) was provided, along with enhanced suspension with hi-low adjustable shocks, new dampers and suspension rubber cones. The engine was overhauled with overbore, Swiftune SW5 camshaft, HS2 carburettor, unleaded head conversion and rolling road set-up, as well as the renewed fuelling system, complete re-wire, and the original specification engine floor start and floor headlight main beam switch reinstated.
The external appearance was completed with an original specification pressed steel front grille added and modified to be removable for access to engine and distributor, replica Dunlop D1 wheels with wheel arch extensions (as available in period) and a full interior refresh by Optimise Automotive completing the interior. Magazine featured twice upon completion, in Heritage Commercials (January 2019) and in MiniWorld (April 2021), the Mini Van is rated as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ throughout and is worthy of close inspection! The history file accompanying ‘184 LRR’ contains DVLA ownership records; a BMIHT Heritage Certificate and a current V5C document.

[@matthewpaulargall9102]

Cutest van ever!

[@NiklasT-xz5lk]

Love it!