Registration - TSN 371S

Chassis No. - XKU1-492248A

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 56,385

The vendor bought this genuine 1978 Mini pickup as a rolling shell some 21 years ago. It was dry stored until 2010 when a full restoration was commenced, the result of which is this notably eye-catching and attractive little utility vehicle. We understand that the labours were completed in time for it to star in the vendor’s wedding of 2013, since when ‘TSN 371S’ has covered only some 500 miles but been kept safe and dry in a garage when not in use. The rebuild included a bare metal respray in Volkswagen Indigo Blue, complemented by twin white bonnet stripes and, most fundamentally, the installation of a reconditioned 1275cc engine in place of the standard 848cc unit. The pickup has recently been fitted with a new battery and, although it no longer requires an MOT, it passed one in July, during which the staff of the centre concerned commented on ‘how clean and tidy the shell was underneath’. Other modifications to the mighty Mini include: electronic ignition, twin exhausts, Cobra leather bucket seats, a quartet of grille-mounted spotlights, alloy sump guard, deck-mounted rollover bar, chequer-plated load area, 12” Minilite-style alloy wheels and even a glass sunroof.

The pickup variant of the Mini was launched in 1961. Based on the van version of Sir Alec Issigonis’ automotive masterpiece, this fun and practical little load-lugger featured an open cargo area mated to a two-seater cab. From 1968, it became known as the British Leyland Mini pickup, production of which ceased in 1983. This is the rarest of the Mini-based commercial vehicles, as BMC/British Leyland built some 521,494 Mini vans versus just 58,0179 pickups.

In summary:

• A unique and highly practical classic Mini
• Full restoration completed in 2013 included the installation of a reconditioned 1275cc engine
• Benefits from a host of upgrades