As I was pulling out of Costco in Reno, I saw an Austin Mini heading towards me. As it turned into the Costco lot, I almost had an accident! (was in the Honda Element and my Mini was home).

It was what looked like an Austin Cooper Wagon, bright red and "Royal Mail Service" lettered on the side!!!! IT LOOKED PRISTINE, I MEAN SHOWROOM PRISTINE!!!!!

Anyone know if they made such an animal or if it was a completely custom ride.

Traffic was impossible to turn around in, so I couldn't follow it to talk with the driver! WOW WAS IT NEAT!

Will also post this in the NAM board but it is down again at the moment...Wish I had my camera, but then I would have wrecked the Element for sure

Jeff

 

Nope...that's the real deal! I have a friend here whose wife drives a 1974 maroon Mini Clubman Estate wagon. I believe they found it in Belguim.

 

Hey Lisa....WE GOTTA FIND THAT GUY!!!!

Thanks gokartride for the info!!

Jeff

 

Jeff,

I am just seconding gokartride. They made Mini estate wagons, woodies (both with glass side windows) and panel vans like the one you saw in costco. There are a few regularly for sale on Mini Mania's for sale page.

I always thought that a panel van in yellow with a black top and the Bottingtons lable on the side would be a cool ride.


TT

 

TT:
Aside from the looks and condition of that van (It was NOT the woodie)....ya gotta admit the "Royal Mail Service" lettered on the side was the topper!!!!

 

The Royal Mail Service actually used the panel vans for mail serice in the '60s and '70s. They were also a very popular option because they were MUCH cheaper to register since they were considered commercial vehicles. People bought them then cut windows out themselves. Unfortunately, there are not too many left. Here is an example I saw a few weeks back:

 

Only difference was that the one i SAW was red! SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!!

 

Rick,

Great shot. Even got the woodie in the background for a comparison. Any idea on the year of that panel van? With the sliding window and the door hinges, would that be pre-'65?

TT

 

I like Dave's slogan!

 

there is a classic min panel in placerville that i know of. glenn

 

Glenn, you know who owns it and if they would consider selling it? I am in SF and having a heck of a time finding a CA titled Vintage Mini Van or Wagon.

Cheers,

Jess