Rare barn find 1968 Austin Mini Van in mint condition — for sale

Fancy a ‘new’ van that’s 47 years old?

An almost unused 1968 Austin Mini Van is to be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at the Birmingham NEC on March 28.

Built on the longer Traveller chassis but without side windows, the Mini Van proved popular in 1960s Britain as a cheaper alternative to the car. It was classed as a commercial vehicle and as such carried no sales tax.

1968 Austin Mini Van

This rare find is is in perfect order and will go on sale on March 28, at the Birmingham NEC

This car, estimated at between £23,000 and £25,000, was first registered on the 14th March 1968. It was bought new for a mere £400 by a Miss G. Crumcott from Northern Ireland so she could learn to drive. Miss Crumcott never managed to pass her driving test however, so the car was kept unused in her garage for nearly 30 years.

1968 Austin Mini van rear view

The car was then bought in July 1997 by a local BMC Mini dealer, Mr T. Turkington, who placed it in the Mini centre’s showroom until 2006 before selling it onto another collector in Northamptonshire. It has now been brought back onto the market, and, with so few owners, it is no surprise the car has covered a miniscule and very desirable 302 miles.

The charming classic will be sold at the Practical Classics Restoration Show sale, but the new owner is not expected to need to spend much on his or her new  steed.

Inside mint condition 1968 Austin Mini van

The van is complete, right down to the original, unopened, toolbox

This Austin Mini van is in remarkable unrestored original condition, right down to the seat protectors and rubber floor mats. Still retaining its original crossply Dunlop tyres and spare wheel, all of which are unused, the motorcar has been so carefully stored it has also preserved its initial exhaust and sealed Lucas battery. The car is also supplied with its original toolbox, which remains unopened; a delightful added extra.

According to Silverstone Auctions, the van is in perfect running order. For more information, visit www.silverstoneauctions.com.

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