Lot details Registration No: 748 VKR Chassis No: MAV4-335647 Mot Expiry: Aug 2013
As a result of the Suez crisis, Britain found itself back on petrol rationing by 1956. BMC's Leonard Lord recognised the urgent need for a small car with ground-breaking economy. Within a year the now famous team of Issigonis, Daniels and Kingham had designed and built a prototype of ADO 15 (Austin Drawing Office project number 15) and the production version of what's now known as the Mini was launched just two years later. Subsequently voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, the Mini was a revolution on wheels, whose engine was placed across the frame and the gearbox in the unit's sump. Instead of conventional metal springs, it employed rubber cones which endowed the car with its famous go kart-like handling.
In addition to the Saloon, BMC built a variety of other versions including: the Traveller, the sporty Cooper and Cooper S models, the Clubman and 1275 GT, the Moke, the Pick-up 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 a handy goods vehicle - some 521,494 examples were manufactured.
This delightful looking Grey-coloured right-hand drive Mini Van left the Cowley production line in 1963 and is a rare flat-roof example with opening vent, floor-mounted starter and 'wand' gear lever. Reputed to have had just four owners from new, '748 VKR' has been extensively restored in recent times and boasts a detailed bay for its 850cc engine and rides on black-spoked Minilite wheels although the original steel wheels and hubcaps are included. Currently displaying an unwarranted 22,051 miles, the Mini is MOT'd until August next year. Practical, fun classic transport and ideal for today's austere climate.
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