1981 Austin Morris Mini 95L van

The original Mini had three major UK updates, the Mark II, the Clubman and the Mark III. Within the range there were a number of variations, including a Traveller estate, a pick-up truck, a van and the Mini Moke. From 1960 to 1982, a commercial (Quarter Ton) panel van was offered and was built on the longer Traveller chassis but without the side windows. It proved popular in 1960's Britain as a cheaper alternative to the car as it was classed as a commercial vehicle and, as such, carried no sales tax. A set of simple stamped steel slots served in place of a more costly chrome grill on the early cars but as the years went by they became more luxurious with the need to compete with Japanese micro-vans. The simplification of Mini branding in 1969 reduced things to Mini Van and Mini Pick-up and in 1978, the commercial vehicles were renamed 'Mini 95' to reflect the 0.95 ton gross weight of the van and pick-up and an 'L' pack was introduced in 1979. The 'L' pack consisted of hound's-tooth cloth centre sections to the seats, front carpets, a passenger sun visor and more sound-proofing.

The brightly coloured minivan we see here began life as an Austin Morris Mini 95L, and was first registered on 03/08/1981.The last change of ownership was on 20/08/2013 and the colour, according to the V5 was 'Green/Blue', however the vehicle today is bright red.It's 'earned its crust' recently functioning as a promotional vehicle for the "Classic Motor Show" and has been seen at Goodwood and Beaulieu and a number of local shows in the South East. It was certainly eye-catching at that point, heavily vinyled in red with a blue roof and silver Minilites.Currently SORN'd with no MoT we are offering this vehicle "No Reserve" and cannot offer any suggestions as to its mechanical or structural condition, but when properly recommisioned could be returned to a great little working van for a small business or could be pressed into service promoting whatever you want to promote!