3 replies to this topic

[jonpressnell]

Hello there!

I am in the very last stages of writing a big history of the Mini, for publication in May/June by Haynes Publishing. A few picky points need re-checking.

Can anyone please help on the following?

1. When was the roof vent deleted on the Mini van? It was there in 1971 but had gone by 1976.

2. When did the ribbed roof come in?

3. When the 998cc engine was introduced as an option (end 1967) did it come with the remote gearchange, or did vans keep the 'magic wand' until the arrival in 1973 of the rod change?

4. I have grave doubts that the 848cc engine continued to be offered on the van after November 1980. But can anyone confirm or deny? I find it hard to believe that it was discontinued in the pick-up at this time but continued to be available in the van.

5. When did the pick-up get the bigger rear light units? It must have been in 1978 or 1979. Was it with the December 1978 re-badging as the Mini 95?

Any help anyone can give on these points would be really appreciated - last-minute info-panic!

With thanks in anticipation

Jon Pressnell

[mab01uk]

3. When the 998cc engine was introduced as an option (end 1967) did it come with the remote gearchange, or did vans keep the 'magic wand' until the arrival in 1973 of the rod change?


I think 998cc van had the magic wand at least at the beginning as standard?
The last of the Mini vans and pick ups with magic wand gearlever in the early 1970's used the remote type gearbox casting but with a special adaptor plate fitted to convert the diff housing to take the old wand gearlever. (ie. they stopped using the earlier purpose made magic wand alloy diff housing).
Not sure what year this started but guess 69-70 then until rod change came in.
They are rare now but it is shown in the 1969 on parts lists and my brother still has one of these gearboxes fitted into his early Mini saloon with a 998cc engine.

From my previous post (link below)
The last of the Mini Mk 3 "Magic Wand" gearlevers used the remote change type diff housing on the gearbox but with a shaped pressed metal adaptor plate bolted on to locate the base of the wand gearlever. All the earlier magic wand gearboxes had a completely different diff housing casting to the remote change gearbox. (I once had a 998 Minivan with this late type and my brother has recently bought a 1960 Mini with one of these now quite rare late type 1970's magic wand gearboxes fitted).
Has anyone got any pics or know exactly when this mod was introduced...............I have only been able to find an exploded view of the parts in a 1970's BL Mini parts book?
http://www.theminifo...p;hl=magic diff

Do you have any more up to date info for your book on the current Minivan/ Pickup numbers left on the road in UK?
Source: SMMT (The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders)
Only 1,771 Vans and Pick-ups, were recorded by the DVLC as being on the road in Great Britain - 1st August 2002.


Also new forum:-
http://minivanregister.org/index.php

Edited by mab01uk, 18 April 2009 - 06:17 PM.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

4. I have grave doubts that the 848cc engine continued to be offered on the van after November 1980. But can anyone confirm or deny? I find it hard to believe that it was discontinued in the pick-up at this time but continued to be available in the van.


November 1980 848cc engine discontinued as option in pickup. Available in van until end of production

[jayare]

2. When did the ribbed roof come in?

The ribbed roof changed on the Estate in 1964, so I would think the van changed at the same time.


5. When did the pick-up get the bigger rear light units? It must have been in 1978 or 1979. Was it with the December 1978 re-badging as the Mini 95?

These changed around 1974 - if you check on minipickup.org I'm sure there will be someone who can give you more exact dates.


Hope it helps,

JR