Mk1 Austin Mini Countryman.
Sadly the location of this photo isn't known, but the landscape behind the Mini estate looks quite barren to me. This is an Austin badged version of the Mk1 Mini estate, known as the Countryman - there was also a Morris version called the Traveller, for those who preferred to be seen behind the wheel of a Morris rather than an Austin. This Mini was registered FKO 360D, a Kent number used from February 1966 onwards. The Mini has a GB plate screwed to the back door, again suggesting an overseas trip. There is a roof rack fitted, which seems to be carrying a water container, and also stick-on demister panels in each rear door window. Also visible is what looks like a curtain, so perhaps the owners of the Mini used it to kip in overnight, rather than splashing out on B&B accomodation or pricey hotel rooms.
|
|
I learnt to drive on a Mini just like this, a 1967 all-steel estate registration GVU 146E, so I have fond memories of these cars. It was painted Tartan Red, and had a tweeked 1100 engine fitted.
|
|
The Austin Countryman & Morris Mini Traveller.
 |
| A rare early Mini estate woodie I found a few years back, quite unusual as it had the floor-operated starter button. Last I heard it was being restored from top to bottom. |
The estate versions were added to the Mini range in 1961, either badged as Austin or Morris depending on your preference. Despite the badging, and front grille style, there was little else to differentiate them. Under the skin they were very similar to the Mk1 Mini saloon, although the wheelbase was slightly longer and seemed to give it a less choppy ride. Two opening rear doors were fitted as standard, enabling excellent access to the rear load area, which could be improved by folding the rear seats. Early examples had a smooth roof, whereas later estates (such as our family's 1967 Countryman) had ribs to add strength. Those wishing for a little added opulence, could opt for the 'woodie' version. This was basically a bog-standard Mini estate, onto which a wooden framework was affixed to give the woodie look. Whereas on the Minor Traveller the wood was structural, that on the Mini was pure ornamentation and in later years, a prime candidate for rot.
|
|
As well as the usual Mini trait of rusting at every opportunity, my lasting memory of mum's Mini was the moss that grew in the sliding window channels, making it all but impossible to slide them open. In the summer it meant that the car was jolly warm to ride around in, and in winter the windows steamed up continually. It used to go very well though. In a bid to make the Mini more luxurious, dad set to one day with his tin snips and installed a glass pop-up sunroof. Nowadays such activities would be seen as heresy, but back then it was just a 20 year-old Mini and not particularly rare. Sadly our Min' was written-off while in the custody of a later owner, while parked. I wonder what happened to the Mini in the black & white photo at the top of the page - it doesn't show on a search of the DVLA site, so probably succumbed to the metal moth many years ago - unless anyone knows different?
|
|
|
Return to Old Motoring Photos Page No. 9.
|
