First I want to apologize as I have NO Photos to support my claim--

However, I attended the British Car Show at Morraine Valley Community College in Palos Heights, Illinois and found some EXCELLENT examples of Minis represented. While there was a collection of MINI's there were also some great examples of the Classic Minis. As My nephew pointed out-"the only true Mini Van he would be caught in" was one of the standouts with proper exterios wood accents and everything else finished as if new. A fully Movie cast autograhped Mini from the Austin Powers Goldmember movie which was a Very cool 1000 automatic with all the signatures on the roof----and I actually got to drive it!! Also a couple of late model Classics that showed me what I need to do to make mine better. Not sure if I should thank them or curse them.

There were some other cars there too, but, didn't really notice them. 300+ cars overall and around 20 MINIs and Minis.

(OK, the Austin Healys and the Jaguars were interesting too.)

 

I have seen Estates with wood trim, but never the Mini 95 (Van). Did the Mini Van look like this one or did it have windows all a round?

 

I believe the "van" in question is a late 90's blue Countryman that belongs to Mini Nick as he is called. A very nice Countyman, if I must say. Although I would rather have his 68? (can't remember right now) Countryman. It's not in as nice of shape, but if you ask me it has a lot more character. He's owned it for 27+ years.
Oddly enough, the Austin Powers autographed also belongs to Nick, along with the 68 Countryman, a Pickup (his daughter's) and a Mini (his son's).
They also have a few MINIs, including an MC40 (#6 out of 1000 if I remember correctly) which belongs to his son.

They don't call him Mini Nick for nothing.

 

That is Correct Sir!!

It was all very fascinating to me as a novice to this crowd. So, I felt an obligation to report.

Going driving with a crowd tomorrow and will report back on that too, if there is anything worthy of reporting!!