6 replies to this topic

[bobbin_spinner]

Hi,

Quick question - was there ever a mini van produced with a 650cc engine? A friend of mine states that he has a 1958 mini van, previously owned by Birmingham Council, thought to have a 650cc engine.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

[sledgehammer]

would that be a 1968 van ?

 

(minis weren't in production until past mid 1959 , vans a bit later)

 

& would have a 850 cc engine ?

 

pretty sure they were never 650 cc , but could be wrong

 

pics will help

Edited by sledgehammer, 24 July 2017 - 08:17 PM.

[mab01uk]

Yes there were prototypes and early Minvans were built in 1959 before it was officially announced in Jan 1960, Launch price £360 but 850cc not 650cc although a 2-cylinder A-Series engine was experimented with briefly in the early days of Mini development.



Early prototype (door pull is held at a different point) and note the straight magic wand gearlever.
All the vans were produced at Longbridge
http://www.austinmem...d-50/index.html

Edited by mab01uk, 24 July 2017 - 10:02 PM.

[greenwheels]

The help you need must come from a visit and search of the Birmingham City Council archives.
This story does, to me, ring a distant bell.

[bobbin_spinner]

Thanks all for your kind replies.

The van is in pieces, have some photo's but not sure they will help as engine is out (no photo) and all door are off - it's a complete barn find.

Is it possible that it's a pre production run model.

Thanks.

[mab01uk]

It is possible and if proven will become a much sought after and rare surviving example of the Mini van!

[miniman_78]

Any update on this van? Do you already have the pic?