1969 Austin Mini Countryman MKII

Only 58 MKII examples are known to the Mini Traveller and Countryman Register worldwide so this is quite a rare find. The Mini was owned by one of our regular customers in Scotland for five years, he covered just a couple of hundred miles in the car and in 2016 we sold the car to the last owner who has covered around 1000 faultless miles. The Countryman has been driven between the last owners’ homes in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire and has been thoroughly enjoyed. The Mini comes back to us in a multi part exchange deal due to the downsizing of a very impressive car collection. When sold by us two years ago, we thoroughly serviced the car and replaced front brake cylinders, rear wheel cylinders, front brake flexi hoses, horn, lower chrome trim mouldings and replaced the indicator flasher unit. Going further back, VHX 479G was subject of a bare shell rebuild between 2006 and 2008 and we can confirm a high level of originality has been retained. The restorer preserved any original components possible, most notably the excellent, woodwork that just required treating. Photos with the history show the Mini totally stripped down with the full interior removed, engine, gearbox, axles and all components and ancillaries removed. The bare shell was restored with new panels used where required. The Mini was treated to new sills and subframe and the restored shell was painted both inside and out including floors. The original woodwork was treated and re-fitted, various new parts like window channels and check straps fitted and new chrome where necessary. Photos show the car prior to restoration finished in Red, with original Red interior and externally it looked very dull, almost like a barn find. We believe the car was very original prior to restoration and appeared to be off the road for many years. It is clear the Mini was structurally in a very good state, not requiring many new panels so it is likely this is a low mileage example that led a sheltered life. When sympathetically restored, the Mini was treated to a new carpet set, new headlining and new seat covers so the interior matches the superbly presented exterior. The engine and gearbox were cleaned and detailed before being re-fitted to the car and the Mini was overhauled mechanically as necessary. Invoices with the car detail many new parts to include new engine mountings, thermostat, new oil pipes, distributor cap, brake master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, clutch hose, front wheel hub kits, track rod ends, brake light switch, rear hub seals, lower arm bushes, new steering gaiters and many other parts. Ten years on since completion of the rebuild and the Mini Countryman presents beautifully. The underside is impressive with stunning Red floors, the engine bay is of a very good standard, the paintwork and bodywork throughout is stunning and the interior is very smart. The original woodwork is still excellent and the Mini has a true feel of honesty and originality although it has been restored. VHX 479G drives superbly, has been MOT tested each year since restoration and is in excellent mechanical condition. The car is tight, holds the road so well and the engine and gearbox feel superb. The Mini feels very quick, fit and responsive and will most certainly impressive on test drive. This rare car is ideal for shows, rallies, regular use and is fit for any collection. This is how we like them, it has been restored to a high standard, but originality has been retained where possible.