1964 Austin Mini Countryman Mk1

Once the Mini Saloon had established itself in our hearts, it was somewhat inevitable that derivations should follow particularly for those needing to carry cots, Labradors and other domestic appendages. Hence the Countryman was born, still the lovable mini front end but with a neat ‘estate’ body grafted to the rear. Very much a mini at heart, making all the right mini noises from the busy 848cc engine and still with enjoyable mini handling, but now, ever so practical.

Offered today is a rare find, not only in the shape of a genuine Countryman, but a one owner example, with known history from new and a guaranteed 65,000 miles on the clock. In 1964 the family Hillman Imp, which could not cope with the new perambulator etc. was exchanged for this brand new Mini Countryman, the deal nicely evidenced on the original bill of sale from East Horsley Garage, which accompanies the vehicle, together with a plethora of old MOT test certificates, service book and a BMIHT Certificate. As an extra, an Ekco removable radio was fitted.

The car was last on the road in 1993 and has been dry stored since. It had a new gearbox fitted about 10,000miles ago and we are also told that new tyres and rear shock absorbers were fitted just before the car was put in storage. The engine has not been run but is said to turn. Apparently the clutch needs replacement.

The vendor took the car to well-known restorers, Rees Bros of Aldershot, for a preliminary assessment and we are told that all the corroded metalwork has been exposed to ease inspection. Whilst the bodywork can now clearly be seen to need attention, the interior is remarkably good. The front seats are still in their protective plastic covers and the rear bench seat appears almost unused. Headlining is quite good apart from a small tear, but carpets will be needed.

After forty nine years of ownership, the vendor is reluctantly parting with the car in the hope that it will be refurbished and returned to the road to give another family great joy and happiness which it has brought to him and his own. The Mini is offered entirely as it stands, with the RF60 registration book, the V5 document, service records, invoices, old MOT test certificates, the aforesaid BMIHT Certificate, old tax discs (running continuously from 1965 until 1993), the handbook, an original sales brochure, an EKCO radio brochure, and even some petrol coupons. Some of the paperwork will relate to a former, personal registration number APD 250B.