1981 Mini Panel Van for sale - Sold

Started by MPlayle, June 04, 2015, 08:15:18 PM

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MPlayle

Edit: The sale is now being handled through Michael Lewis (aka: MiniGuy).  Please see the posting on his website:

http://www.miniguy.com/vehicles/brg81panelvan/


Willie_B


94touring


MPlayle

I'm working at moving on to another project (or two) altogether and need to send this one to a new home.

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Mudhen


MPlayle

#5
My next "toy" popped up a lot sooner than expected.  As such I am more motivated to sell the Mini Van. 

Edit: The sale is now being handled through Michael Lewis (aka: MiniGuy).  Please see the posting on his website:

http://www.miniguy.com/vehicles/brg81panelvan/

MiniGuy

UPDATE:  It's now GONE, GONE, GONE to its new home near Detroit!

Looking for more classic Minis - from project to pristine - for our Consignment - For Sale by Owner pages. ( www.miniguy.com )

Have one that might be available? Or know of one?

Tips, leads and links greatly appreciated!

- Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis
(805) 405-6263 (texts too)
www.miniguy.com
miniguy@miniguy.com
- Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis / www.miniguy.com / Agoura Hills, (Southern) California USA 91301. Nice - or really nice - Minis WANTED and available.

MiniGuy

#7
UPDATE: It's available again. Seller in Detroit area had traded up from a Mini pickup, wife wants her garage back!li

direct link to a few dozen pics:
http://www.miniguy.com/vehicles/brg81panelvan/

Mini panel vans are very rare in the U.S. – and few are this clean!

Originally, panel vans were built to be used as work vehicles, and most were used, abused, worn out, then unceremoniously scrapped. This one was rescued, then fully gone through before coming "across the pond" to its new home in the U.S.A.

This 1981 model is in the classic Mini colors, British Racing Green (BRG) with a white roof. Steering is right-hand-drive (RHD), as all proper British cars should be, we say!

Engine upgraded to 1275cc (the largest factory-fitted engine size) with all the goodies; manual transmission is a 4-speed, 4-synchro, "rod-shift" (stronger, smoother-shifting) model.

Performance is boosted using a low-restriction K&M air filter feeding an HIF44 single SU carb on an alloy intake manifold; the performance exhaust system isn't loud – it just speaks with an appropriate Mini "growl."

Aluminum extra-cool radiator and an auxiliary electric fan help handle the heat. Shiny bits in the engine bay include alloy rocker cover and chromed alternator, starter and fuel-pressure regulator. Red ignition leads and red silicone radiator hoses provide a nice contrast. Also tucked under the bonnet is a compact air horn.

Outside, the Mini's stock 10" steel wheels have been upgraded to 12" Starmag alloys shod with fresh Falken rubber. Small, body-color wheel arches (ie: "flares") help conceal the wider stance. Front brakes upgraded from drums to 8.4" discs. For additional safety and visibility, a high-mounted 3rd brake lamp is added.

Full custom interior features cream Porsche leather throughout, including Corbeau Classic bucket seats, custom dash rails, custom door pocket inserts and door cards, all in matching cream leather. Matching carpets front and rear, interior of cargo area is fully finished to match, including a custom headliner.

Custom burlwood dash features classic "three clock"-style dash pod with magnolia-face center speedo and water-temperature and oil-pressure gauges. Small speakers are tucked nicely in the dash; white LED lighting glows from beneath. Custom wood steering wheel.

For quieter motoring, there's extensive "FatMat" sound-deadening material throughout, including front floors, doors, cargo area side panels, and the roof from front to back. Underside of bonnet is insulated as well.

Ready to Roll:

Extensive work recently completed includes fully rebuilt suspension front and rear, including new rubber "cones" (springs), knuckle joints and height-adjustable HiLo's on all four corners. Also new are upper and lower ball joints and steering-rack ends. Inner CV boots are new. Rear brakes rebuilt with new wheel cylinders and shoes.

Electrical system is pretty much fully replaced, should mean a big boost in reliability for a 34-year old British-built classic Mini! New main wiring harness, all new dash switches, new ignition switch and ignition wiring harness.

A little History:

One noteworthy feature of the Mini panel vans is that throughout the entire production run, panel vans continued to be fitted with Mk1-type doors that had sliding windows and external door hinges; the same applies the seldom-seen Mini pickups. (since 1970, all standard Minis had gone to rollup-window doors with internal door hinges, the year when "Mk3" and "Clubman" models began.)  As another cost-savings measure, panel vans initially came without passenger seats – an extra-cost option on the bare-bones work vehicles. Standard panel vans — and pickups — also had non-removable, pressed-steel grilles to cut costs – but those meant servicing became much more difficult.

This van has been upgraded to use a traditional Mk1 grille with "mustache" and "whiskers, greatly increasing under-bonnet access – and improving the appearance as well.

Paint is in very good condition and shows well. Inside the door frames are areas where some paint is scuffed off (see pics), but doors have since been realigned and now clear nicely.

Fully freeway-capable, cruises at 70mph without really breathing hard!

Fully sorted, runs excellent, handles well, had recent tune-up, everything works — and needs nothing but a driver, seller says!

Clear Michigan title and current registration.

Located near Detroit in Dearborn Heights, Michigan 48127

[ ID# BRG81PANELVAN ] Asking $16.5k



Independent mechanical evaluations may also be arranged, as well as nationwide door-to-door transport. Escrow Services for payment, title-document-transfers, and transport coordination (to help provide more-secure transactions) are also available, contact us for details.

(October note: pics taken six months ago when in San Antonio, seller reports it looks the same! Updated pics available on request.)
- Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis / www.miniguy.com / Agoura Hills, (Southern) California USA 91301. Nice - or really nice - Minis WANTED and available.

MiniGuy

#8
UPDATE: Seller just dropped his asking price by $2k! Asking price is now $14.5k - at that price, I don't expect it to be available for long!

(October note: pics taken six months ago when in San Antonio, seller reports it looks the same! Updated pics available on request.)

p.s. - if you have a company, just paint your name on the side and... the Mini is an instant tax write-off!
- Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis / www.miniguy.com / Agoura Hills, (Southern) California USA 91301. Nice - or really nice - Minis WANTED and available.