1976 Wood & Pickett Mini Margrave 1275

• Presented in Bentley Walnut and Cream Everflex, a real head-turner
• In current ownership since 1987 some 30 plus years
• Comprehensive restoration some years ago and still superb to this day
• Retaining all of its original W&P accoutrements
• 1275cc engine, S Disc brakes, Wolfrace Alloys, electric windows, picnic tables and a full-length Webasto roof complete the picture
• Magazine featured in Mini World December 2019 - copy included

Synonymous with the Mini badge, Wood & Pickett had been converting, tuning and supplying parts for Minis since the 1960s. Proprietors and founders, Bill Wood and Les Pickett mastered their craft at Hooper & Co Ltd. in London before joining forces and setting up their own company in 1947. Spotting a gap in the market, they were determined to offer Mini conversions better than that of leading rival Radford and the 'Margrave' Mini was their first offering, featuring a distinctive leather & walnut fascia panel, leather or Dralon seating and front and rear nudge bars, to which customers were invited to add from a long list of individually-priced options.

In 1960s London, the Mini was the epitome of cool. When you are in one of the world's best rock/pop groups, and you can have anything in the world, the ultimate toy for around town was a coachbuilt Radford Mini Cooper. All four of the Beatles had one as did Mike Nesmith from the Monkees, Ginger Baker from Cream, George Best, Peter Sellers and Britt Ekland. However, in the end, W & P produced more modified Minis than Radford with customers including Elton John, Denny Laine, Mick Jagger, Paul and Linda McCartney, Hayley Mills and Twiggy.

This particular Margrave Mini, finished in period correct Bentley Walnut, was purchased by its present owner in June 1987, some thirty years ago! On offer at Chelsea Cars (Sports Cars) Ltd, their local garage of choice, it was love at first sight and their journey together commenced. A copy of the purchase invoice for ú3,500 has been proudly kept and remains with the vehicle to this day. Initially used as everyday transport the Mini was pressed into action as required even venturing into Europe on several occasions, however, work commitments abroad eventually intervened and long periods of inactivity ensued and unfortunately, the condition deteriorated to the point that major work was required. In 1999 the decision was made to resurrect the love of their life however Wood & Pickett had disappeared off the radar and so Minispeed in Byfleet were given the task which, as is often the case, turned out to be greater than initially thought including a bare shell rebuild, rewire, reconditioned lead-free engine, replacement twin carbs, 'S' discs and hubs, total repaint etc. etc. It is noted amongst the paperwork that the paint alone cost ú600!! An initial estimate of ú10,000 suddenly became circa ú25,000! Completed at the end of 2001, the car was collected and driven home to Edinburgh, however, work abroad was to intervene was again and into storage, the Mini went once more with little use until 2013. At this stage only minor recommissioning was required carried out by Simon Drew of The Mini Works in Edinburgh, the Mini dealer of choice north of the border, bringing this piece of Sixties' history back to life once again. Still in delightful condition throughout 'UJA' retains all of its W&P signature items such as the Webasto roof, Wolfrace Alloys, early style bumpers and the classic charm that only a Mini of this period can provide evoking happy memories of the Swinging Sixties, The Mersey Sound and Carnaby Street, time I would suggest, to relive your youth!