1971 British-Leyland Mini Van |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1971 British-Leyland Mini Van

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Mileage~96,288
TransmissionManual
Engine1.3L
LocationManchester

AUCTION CLOSED

1971 British-Leyland Mini Van

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

What started as one of Britain’s most popular small cars, soon received a commercial makeover into a Mini Van.

The Mini needs no introduction; no other car symbolises so much to so many people. The Cooper models of the Mini were the result of a collaboration between racing car builder John Cooper and the Mini’s creator, Alec Issigonis. The first models were launched in 1961, with the S versions fitted with the iconic 1275cc engine arriving three years later. However, it wasn’t just about passenger cars. There were also commercial options for the Mini, such as pick-ups, and like the model we have here, a Mini van. Based on the Mk2 Mini with eternal hinges, and sliding front windows, the rear half became a small panel van.

Quite a rare sight to see, this 1971 van has been given a complete restoration over the past ten years, and now fitted with a rebuilt 1,275cc engine, it is ready to go and make some deliveries. It comes to market from over 10 years in family ownership, and presents in excellent condition, an example hard to beat we think.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Christiene the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

We just needed to finish the Mini - it’s what my husband would have wanted.

Christine is the owner of this stunning 1971 Mini van. The project was started over ten years ago by Christine’s late husband. After he sadly passed away, Christine decided it was time to get the Mini finished in 2020, where it has sat since in a bubble for protection. She tells us that "We used to treat the car, named Antoinette, with Christmas presents in the form of parts, my husband spent a lot of time and effort working on the car over the years". As mentioned, Christine finished the restoration, which included a complete respray at her local Porsche garage, and the car has been in safe storage since.

Although she would have loved to have kept it and used it, it just isn’t practical for her, so she’s made the decision to let a new enthusiast reap the benefits of her husband's hard work. Please feel free to ask Christine any questions about the car in the comments below.

Chrisitine

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

A mini panel van painted pure white and straight as a die - this is going to be very very had to beat!

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels used on the Mini are 10” Revolution RSX; these are in relatively good condition, apart from a few light kerb marks on a couple of wheels and a small dent to one of the rims.

The tyres are Yokahama A-008 Advan HF and have only covered a few miles since being fitted. Unfortunately, there is a small amount of damage to the side wall on the wheel with the dented rim as pictured. Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The body has been entirely stripped inside, outside and underside before being repainted. The bonnet aligns well, as do the doors and rear doors. The doors are tight to open and close due to the new rubber seals, but these should bed in quite nicely to give a good seal.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in solid white, the paintwork is excellent, and as the car hasn’t been driven more than a few miles, there are no stone chips to the front end. There is a tiny ding just in front of the passenger side rear wheel arch. Christine tells us that the car was sprayed by "Road and Race" who also are said to do some work for Porsche too, helping to explain the quality of the work.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windows are all in excellent condition, with no noticeable scratches spotted. The front windows slide open and close as they should, again with no apparent scratches, and the seals have also been replaced on each window.

The headlights are in good condition with no chips to the clear lenses, and we can also say the same about the indicators and rear lights. Gloss black wheel arch trims fit nicely against the body. Stainless steel bumpers and mirrors have been used, which look high quality and eliminate the risk of tarnishing.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Retrimmed seats with more prominent side bolsters offer a more comfortable drive than the originals.

Seats and Carpets

The seats in the Mini van have been replaced with something much more comfortable; the larger side bolsters hold you snug in position, and the white stitching compliments the exterior. These are in excellent condition, having only covered a few miles since being installed.

The carpet is in excellent condition, having been replaced, as is the headlining, which sits nice and tight with no sagging. The rear is painted white with a superb finish to the sides, roof and floor.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard is white across the top to match the exterior. A panel has been made to fit either side of the instruments, which is edged in white stitching the same as the seats. The instrument binnacle is in good order, with the gauges working correctly. The odometer reads ~96,288 miles, but the engine has been reconditioned, and the oil pressure gauge shows a healthy reading when running.

Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A three-spoke Mountney classic steering wheel is fitted and is like new with no wear. The rubber gear knob does have a small amount of wear to the lettering, likely to be an original item to the car.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

If you’re going to build a Mini - why settle for anything less than a 1,275cc engine?

Engine and Gearbox

Fitted with a 1,275cc, the engine is said to have been entirely rebuilt by qualified mechanics who work for Christine, and shows as such. With a little choke, the car starts up as it should; give it a minute before blipping the throttle to hear the air being sucked in through the performance air filter mounted to the SU Carburettor. No untoward noises were heard from the engine bay, and everything appeared to be in good order.

It is fitted with a four-speed gearbox, which is also reported to have been rebuilt. This changes gear as it should, with no noises coming from the transmission when moving down the road. With the car being in pristine condition and living a cocooned life since rebuild, Christine only wanted us to take it on a short run around the business park as captured in the video.

Suspension and Brakes

All the bushes on the suspension have been replaced, along with various nuts and bolts. If it wasn’t replaced for new, it was refurbished to make it as good as new.

The brakes have also been overhauled and are working as well as you would expect, bringing the van to a halt in a straight line.

The Drive

Out in the Mini, it is very much as you remember; the ride is firm, and the car sounds just like a Mini did back in the day.

As mentioned, we could only give the Mini a short run on the private industrial estate where the road was extremely rough, but you’ll be pleased to know the Mini handled it very well.

Electrics and Other

Light, wipers, heaters and ignition are all you need to make a Mini roadworthy. Everything works as it should, and the switchgear looks in good condition.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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History and Paperwork

Coming to market from over ~10 years family ownership, some receipts and invoices have been lost - but you only have to look to see what’s been replaced on this fully restored Mini.

Unfortunately, there isn’t really any amount of paperwork for parts purchased over the years. Off the road for over ten years, the Mini Van has seen the light again and is ready to be enjoyed by a new enthusiast owner. This Mini van has been a labour of love for the past ten years for Christine’s late husband. Now finished it is time to let go of what is a completely restored van from top to bottom, which has covered just a few miles since its completion in 2020, having been stored in a car bubble since then. Perfect for someone who wants to save themselves the trouble of a full restoration, this Mini Van is ready to be enjoyed.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
22.12.2020	MOT	96,288
Restored over a 10 year period

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Key Details

ModelMini 1000 Light Van
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date19.04.1971
CC1,275
Mileage~96,288
ColourWhite
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #XAV1356748A
RestoredYes
Engine RebuildYes
MOTExp. 20.12.2021
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers3
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
OwnedOver ~10 year family ownership
Key FeatureFull restoration
Auction ID1157

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Manchester

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

Ask Questions

Seller : ChristineG

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9 Comments

ChristineG

Seller

1 year ago

Been in a air filtered carcoon since the restoration was completed and MOT given. It really isn’t a issue for me to have another MOT if needed.

4CAM

1 year ago

Hi Christine

No current MOT?

Kind regards

David “4CAM”

ChristineG

Seller

1 year ago

I’ve had the Mini van stored in a air filtered cartoon since it complete restoration. I have it insured on a third party fire and theft policy, when asked to drive it for the video I was a bit worried to take it on a main road. Regards, Christine.

ChristineG

Seller

ChristineG

1 year ago

carcoon

davehart

1 year ago

Hi Christine lovely looking van. Can I ask why the test drive was only on the private industrial estate please.
Can it be driven home.
Thanks

ChristineG

Seller

davehart

1 year ago

since the MOT on the Mini was done it has remained indoors within a air filtered carcoon. Only taken out for checks and polish.

4CAM

1 year ago

No current MOT? It is not legally required but it would give comfort?

fiatandy

1 year ago

Hello Christine, very nice Mini Van, do you have any paperwork or any information regarding the engine rebuild ?

Thanks
Andrew.

ChristineG

Seller

fiatandy

1 year ago

The engine was rebuilt with every new part possible by our own fully qualified in house full time Mechanic.

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Vehicle Location

Manchester

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