This one is very nostalgic for me as my childhood family car was a little Austin Mini Van. In fact I keep referring to this one as an Austin out of habit, but they are virtually the same. It’s been at the Cooper Road Mini compound for a few weeks after the very nice restoration, as I tended to a few details and made some improvements. Unlike my father’s old 850, this has been upgraded with a rebuilt 1275 engine, 4-synchro gearbox (now with the Cooper Remote-shift linkage as one of my upgrades), new aluminum radiator, fan, and shroud, Cooper S disk brakes and all new front wheel bearings.

I’ve been involved with the restoration for several years providing help and advice. I test-ran this engine on my stand a couple of years ago (I’m sure I have a video!) while the car was being painted. Recently, I acquired a complete “Remote” shift linkage from another project to replace the goofy 1970s “magic wand” shifter that was still in the car. Here is a short video with me talking about the work just completed, and a quick walk-around

The Mini Van has become one of the rarest Minis, as most were well used up work donkeys in jolly harsh old England. A Morris Van like this with it’s side-panels intact is even more unusual. And it’s very well equipped, unlike the bare-bones vans from the factory. Could a small business have a more memorable billboard? Too damn cute!

Here’s a list of features and recent work completed:

• 1275cc rebuilt 4 cylinder engine
• 4-syncro gearbox with “Remote” shift as used on Cooper and Cooper S
• Front disk brakes as used on Cooper S
• New Yokohama 008 tires on powder coated Cosmic wheels
• New front wheel bearings
• New aluminum radiator, fan, and 2-piece shroud
• Auxiliary electric fan, auto or manual override switch
• NOS late model 1275 cylinder head with performance valve job
• New bronze valve guides and late model “Viton” valve seals
• Pertronix electronic ignition
• Alternator conversion (from old Lucas generator)
• New SU electric fuel pump
• Reconditioned fuel tank with new gauge sending unit (works!)
• LCB header and new “twin box” exhaust system
• New roof rack for mandatory surfboard
• Pop-up tinted glass sunroof
• New seats, carpet, and interior panels
• New compact T7 Heater (same as my Cooper S)
• Wood grain dash with dual glove boxes, tach, oil pressure and temp gauges
• Nicely finished rear compartment with “Boom Mat” soundproofing installed throughout (remember, vans were bare metal!)
• Very nice sound system
• Black California plate “2 DM SMAL”

Now, let’s go for a drive! Oh, there is a slight exaggeration when it comes to passing power…. see if you notice it!

With snow on the way, I did not have a chance to install the grille for these photos, but I will do so and post more. I also have more video detailing the work I did over the past few weeks.

The value of these Classic Minis is raising eyebrows around the world with the sale on “Bring-A-Trailer” of a model known as the “Beach Mini” for an unbelievable $230,000. That’s about 200 times what it cost new! The good news is that this lovely little Mini is being offered for much less than 10% of that.

The asking price of $18,500 is arguably less than the cost to duplicate this very complete restoration. The fact that it includes so many upgrades (and done properly by me!) makes it even better. Without doubt, this Classic Mini Panel Van will appreciate in value with the passage of time, and for the right person, it’s ready to be enjoyed right now, and along the way.

If you’d like more information – as much as you can stand – there are a number of ways you can reach me. You can comment right below, or on my YouTube channel after any of the videos (you can see all my recent videos from the tab above). I’ll add more photos and video in subsequent posts If you want to see something specific, just ask me!

You can reach me directly by sending me an email. If you absolutely want to buy this car, please do email me. I’ve gotten in trouble before when more than one party made full price offers, and I did not realize who was first. In such case, the date and time of the email will decide the order! Thank you for understanding!

Jemal@CooperRoadMini.com (or just go to Contact)