Introduced in January 1961, the Mini pickup was based around the same stretched platform as its panel van sibling. Similarly exempt from sales tax as a commercial vehicle, it sported a pressed steel grille, sliding windows and external door hinges throughout its twenty-one year production life. Initially powered by an 848cc four-cylinder, it could be specified with the more powerful 998cc engine from 1967 onwards (both A-series units being mated to the same four-speed manual transmission).
Updated in late 1978 as the ‘Mini 95’ – its gross weight was 0.94 tons – the panel van was dropped from the range just four years later. Benefiting from a four-inch longer wheelbase, taller rear suspension turrets and underfloor fuel tanks, the Pickup / Panel Van derivatives were arguably even more fun to drive than their saloon equivalents.
Finished in Cream with a Black interior; this much-upgraded Austin Mini 95 Pickup was delivered new in March 1980 – It is now powered by a potent and ‘fully-balanced’ 1275cc engine, breathing through twin SU carburettors.
Understandably, these Pickups led hard lives when they were new, therefore it is increasingly rare to find nice survivors. This car benefits from much recent expenditure including a respray, high-quality rear compartment cover, full carpet set and new fuel tank. Riding on 10-inch Cooper S specification steel wheels, ‘EYN 5V’ also features a sunroof and sports exhaust system. Highly useable and versatile, the exact mileage of this example is unknown, however the condition of the load area suggests this one hasn’t suffered a particularly strenuous existence!
