Registration No: TDP 918S
Chassis No: XLU1-478562A
MOT: Exempt

• One former keeper, a British Leyland dealer, who used it as a company workhorse
• Modified in period with a saloon grille and wheel arch lips (the former improving access to the distributor and oil filter)
• Repainted but never restored and still in sound, usable order

Introduced in January 1961, the Mini Pick-Up 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-two 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). Benefiting from a four-inch longer wheelbase, taller rear suspension turrets and underfloor fuel tanks, the Pick-Up / Panel Van derivatives were arguably even more fun to drive than their saloon equivalents. ‘Mini’ became a standalone brand during October 1969 with parent company British Leyland dropping the compact saloon and its derivatives from the Austin and Morris ranges. A change signified by simplified badging and a new logo. The otherwise unchanged Pick-Up could still be had in 850 or 1000 guises.

Supplied new to British Leyland dealer R.J.E Platt Ltd of Marlow, it was they who gave the Pick-Up its saloon grille and wheel arch extensions (the former alteration allowing far easier access to the distributor and oil filter). The accompanying original ‘Passport to Service’ booklet indicates regular use as a runaround until the mid-1990s. Acquired by its first private keeper, the vendor, during 2003, the past twenty years have seen him add a modest 6,000 miles to the odometer which now displays a warranted 45,500 miles. Repainted from Blue to Green and uprated with electronic ignition during the current ownership, ‘TDP 918S’ started readily and ran well during our recent photography session. Due to be driven to the sale, the Pick-Up is seemingly usable ‘as is’ or could be renovated to show standard. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork. Rarely do such low-owner, low-mileage Mini commercials come to market.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737