Ever since the Mini was first mooted, commercial variants: namely the Pick-up and the Minivan, were part of the plan. A plan that saw these utilitarian carry-alls go on to become a huge commercial success with the Minivan the smallest van available on the British market, punching well above its weight.
Yet, understandably, due to the nature of the work they undertook and the negative effects of ageing, only a very small percentage of the 580,000 Pick-ups and vans produced have survived. However, largely thanks to their modest number and to their inherent charm, they have become hugely collectable and, hence, very sought after.
CHANGING DIRECTION
Whilst some of the survivors have been modified, others, like the one featured here (belonging to Ray Austin), have been brought back to period…