Morris Mini Van
ENGINE 848cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 37bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 50lb ft@2600rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 74mph 0-60MPH 33.8sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 32-40mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 17,801 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The van fires up enthusiastically and idles smoothly without any protest. Everything from the steering to the gearchanges feels pleasingly tight and there are no squeaks or rattles; it’s actually a really quiet vehicle. The steering doesn’t wander and there are no grit-yourteeth moments over bumps – just jump in and have a good time. Keeping up with modern traffic isn’t a chore despite the apparent lack of power. Overall, this is a simple, comfortable and fun drive.
BODYWORK CHECK
It’s rare to find one of these Minis that hasn’t been restored, let alone welded. The seller claims that all the panels are original, which made us all the more determined to find something amiss given the van’s concours condition. The ribbed roof and vent are perfect, with no signs of any rust, and the floor is blemish-free. It has received a new coat of paint at some point and this has been done to a high standard, with no marks or scratches. It’s a similar story underneath – all is solid and very clean. The chrome is flawless with no signs of pitting, but if we’re to be ultra-critical, there are one or two marks on the wheels. The tyres have plenty of tread remaining, but were last replaced more than a decade ago, so a new set is called for.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Open the door and let your nose take you back. You see many advertisements for ‘time-warp’ vehicles but the experience of climbing into this van and receiving a dose of ‘BMC smell’ really does add to the notion that this is all original. The van retains its original press-stud rubber mats, but there’s practically nothing else to the interior other than the seats, which are like new, and a single display housing a speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge – all of which are in working order.
UNDER THE BONNET
Lift the bonnet and it’s pretty much as you’d expect, given the condition of the rest of the vehicle. Having covered so few miles, most of the parts, including the battery cover, are original. The van has only covered 1600 miles since it was recommissioned 15 years ago and it’s evident that the engine hasn’t been worked hard. It’s so clean that there wouldn’t be much you could do to get it ready for a show.
THE CCW VIEW
It’s rare to find a vehicle with this much originality, so while the term ‘time-warp’ gets bandied about a bit too much, finding a vehicle of this age in this sort of original condition is really quite astonishing. The dilemma facing the van’s new owner will be how much to use it, and whether to risk that originality by driving it too much, given the fair, but hardly insignificant asking price.