Knowing the yellow one was going to be several years until I could get onto it, I decided that sentimentality aside (the '71 was one I owned years ago and always wanted back), I decided this makes more sense - I can use it pretty quickly, I have the engine, box and various other bits I can carry over from the yellow one, and sell it fairly easily (sold this evening to a pal so it will still be around). Financially it also makes a lot more sense, and importantly, if I spent the money on the other one AND it had the sentimental value, I doubt I'd ever be able to sell it, and this way in a few years if I fancy a change, it's going to be easier.
So, it's a Late Mk1 / early Mk2 van, built on 2nd Oct '67, but not dispatched until March '68 via Brittains down in Brighton. It has various Mk2 bits like the indicator stalk, and bonnet badge (unless these have been changed) but was supplied in Willow Green, a Mk1 colour. I don't know much of the history other than it was in Montrose by 2016, by which point it had been restored, but by whom, and when, I don't know. My guess is a home restorer or at least not a mini specialist. It's been done nicely enough, but not exactly 'factory', which is fine - I can enjoy it without it being to onerous to keep on top of something perfect. It's had half floors and the usual bits and pieces and the wrong trim, but again, not a problem.
I bought it in a bit of a rush, but having been under it today I'm pretty pleased with it. It needs a good wire brush and a dose of cavity wax and underseal, a few welds dressed off, and a full service, but all fairly easy. The release bearing is not happy, so I'll do that too. Once that's done, I plan to probably just use it as it is, fairly standard, for this year and maybe next, then build up the engine from the yellow one and stick it in, along with S disks. I'll also fit the Restal rear seat and comfier front seats - I have an Alpine microcell for the passenger side, and lurking somewhere in Forster Towers I have another microcell or Restall (I think! Mark, maybe I can pick it up at Blyton)
Speaking of which - it's been off the road since 2019 we think, so I need to get some miles in with it, but assuming it plays ball and keeps all it's fluids where they are meant to be, I hope to bring it down, quite possibly with the Moulton on the roof rack!
Some photos of it 'as bought' - not going to win prizes, but a nice, usable thing,
Al
Probably the worst bit, apart from the slightly lumpy floors is the area at he base of the rear pillar below the lights which is a bit messy.
Al
) I have had a productive few days over the last week.
the temp gauge even worked some of the time...