1981 Austin-Morris Mini 95L Pickup
Less than 2 miles since restoration

Registration No: BCA 887W
Chassis No: XLV10010758792
MOT: Exempt

• In current ownership for the last 11 years, having been discovered in a barn in Chester
• Subject to 4 year restoration using only new-old stock and M-Machine parts, resprayed in its original shade of Nautilis Blue and having covered less than 2 miles since completion
• Just 3 owners from new and displaying 35,633 miles on the odometer

Introduced in January 1961, the Mini pickup was based around the same stretched platform as its panel van 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.

First registered in 1981, ‘BCA 887W’, a rare 95L pickup, spent 2 years in its first ownership before being purchased by a farmer from Chester. The car spent most of its life working as a farm vehicle until it was eventually laid up in a barn in 1997 having covered some 35,630 miles. The car remained in its resting place for 14 years until it was discovered and purchased by its current owner, a lifelong mini enthusiast in 2011. Reportedly, the front end of the vehicle was in remarkable condition. Such so in fact, that the grille did not even require cutting out. The rear end, however, had been exposed to the elements and did require extensive work.

Following its purchase, the owner undertook a full restoration spanning over a 4 year period. What makes this particular restoration special, is that the owner insisted on using nothing but new-old stock and M-machine parts, which required, at times a 14 month wait for panels to be manufactured. The car was repainted in its original shade of Nautilis Blue, and the bed received Gravitax treatment in the bed for protection.

In dry storage since completion of the restoration in 2015, ‘BCA 887W’ has driven less than 2 miles and has been transported to just 1 show, with the odometer currently displaying an unwarranted but believed genuine 35,633 miles. Due to this lack of use, the vendor has decided that the car must find a new home. The vehicle comes accompanied with a small collection of receipts and invoices for parts used in the restoration as well as the V5C document which displays 2 former keepers. The vendor rates the condition of the bodywork, engine, electrical equipment and transmission as ‘Very Good’, with the paintwork and interior trim ‘Good’.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07943584762