7 replies to this topic

[Torqu-E-Cycles]

Today I was lucky enough to buy a 1968 austin mk2 estate thats needs no welding!!
It has previously been partly stripped for a repaint and some bits have inevitably gone missing in the 46 years since the owner passed away and it was forgotten about in a barn, I want to put it back to original but can't quite work out a few things...

If it helps, the rear doors are original and it has Austin Mk2 Estate badges on it, no v5 or heritage cert both have been applied for but I've known the seller a long time, its clean.

Grill, some have mk1, some don't, at least from what I find on Google for '1968 mini estate' mine has had a front panel and bonnet so no way of telling what it had before.

Wood kit, it doesn't look like it had one, would it be wrong to fit one?

Dynamo or alternator?

Mirrors on the wings?

Should it have floor start or floor dip/main?

It has a remote gear change which i believe is right for mk2?

Window latches, should they be plastic or chrome?

Bonnet badge?

The bonnet hinges are closer together as per mk1 is this correct still for the mk2 estate? Nobody could have changed the position so would suggest something amiss/dodgy if they shouldn't be closer?

All may sound like superficial things, but the shell needs such little work I'm feeling like I need to get my skates on finding everything I need as it'll be back from paint in 8 weeks and show season (digging around in boxes of old bits season) is nearly here wahoo!!

Thanks you lovely lot!

[mab01uk]

A copy of this book linked below will help you with all the details and lots of photos.

 

Factory-Original Mini Mk1 & Mk2 by James Taylor:-

https://www.herridge...mini-mk-i-mk-ii

 

Mk2

Key start on dash NOT floor start.

Main/Dip beam on column stalk NOT floor.

Dynamo

Remote gear change and 998cc engine standard in UK (Some 850cc export models)

Window latches, should be plastic

Bonnet badge - Round plastic badge

Wing mirrors were a Dealer fit option

The Estate Minis with no wood kit were much rarer in the UK than those with wood. You could fit the wood trims if you wish, however if originalty and rarity are important to you then it would be best leave it as all metal. All steel models were cheaper, with a launch price of £610 as compared to £629 for the 'woody' version.

(Early Mk2 Minis often have a few Mk1 features/parts, as during the production changeovers they often used up remaining stocks of earlier Mk1 parts).

Edited by mab01uk, 21 February 2026 - 11:39 AM.

[viz139]

I retro fitted the wood to my '68 Morris estate and believe it adds value and desirability to any estate . The biggest concern  I would consider  before adding wood is weather the car is going to be stored in a nice dry garage. If not it takes a lot of maintenance to keep looking well. If you don't have it already you will find the round Austin bonnet badge hard to get. 

[Torqu-E-Cycles]

Thanks for the info/advice guys! Should it be on dry or hydrolastic? I am debating whether to restore it to a concourse mini or a drivable mini, and considering the rarity I'm thinking leave it as all steel (i will have sleepless nights worrying about it rotting!)
It will be stored in a very dry garage but its going to get wet at some point no doubt!

Am I correct in thinking 67/68 is the changeover year? Probably best i get a heritage cert first and see what that says as it may turn out to be a late registered 67 possibly?

Edited by Torqu-E-Cycles, 21 February 2026 - 01:36 PM.

[mab01uk]

Mini Traveller/Countryman/Van/Pickup long wheelbase variants were always fitted with dry suspension (uprated at the rear with slightly different struts).

 

Mk2 Production began in September 1967, but actual sales were later with the first Austin Mini Countryman Mk2 despatched to a Dealer in early December.

Edited by mab01uk, 21 February 2026 - 05:22 PM.

[Torqu-E-Cycles]

Thanks for the info you've been really helpful!!

[62S]

Wing mirrors were factory fitted as they were a legal requirement on estate, van and pick-up for the UK market. They were door mounted on the Clubman Estate.

[Mr Piggy]

I'm restoring a 67 mk1 steel austin traveller. Mine isn't very original, has had loads of welding. I would think it would have had the mk1 moustache grille as it's still got external door hinges. I may be biased but I think they are prettier. It would probably have had front overriders and corner bars. My 67 has key start but foot dip switch. Indicator switch has the green warning light on the end. No auto park on the wipers and they park on the right side, which is odd for a rhd car. It sounds like a great find you have there. Fab little cars. Mine was our sole family car for some years back in the early 1990's.