Lot 143 - 1971 Austin Minor 1000 Van (6cwt)
| Lot Number | 143 |
| Registration | AKH 453K |
| Chassis Number | AAVC320871F |
| Engine Number | 10V189EL87104 |
| Odometer reading | 17,013 miles |
| Result | Sold - £8,120 |
- Features in the film Peter Rabbit 2
- Repainted 2013
- Less than 10,000 miles in last twelve years
With Austin and Morris both being part of BMC, the Minor-based Morris commercials were also marketed as the Austin 6cwt and Austin 8cwt, with a closed van and open pick-up version of the Minor being built from 1953 until the end of production in 1973. They were designed for commercial use with small businesses in mind, although many made their way to larger corporations. The van version was popular with the Post Office, with the early version of these (to around 1956) having rubber front wings, to cope with the sometimes unforgiving busy situations in which they were expected to work. Both the van and the pick-up differed from the monocoque construction of the Saloon and Traveller variants, by having a separate chassis. They also differed in details such as telescopic rear dampers, stiffer rear leaf springs and lower-ratio differentials to cope with the heavier loads. The commercial versions were initially marketed as the Morris Quarter Ton Van and Pick-up, with a Series III designation applied from 1956. The names Minor 6cwt Van and Pickup were used following the introduction of the 1098cc engine in 1962, and the 8cwt version was added in 1968.
This 1971 Austin Minor 1000 6cwt Van was repainted by the previous owner in 2013, changing the colour from maroon and cream to the present colour of green. Over the next three years the van was shown at various classic car shows. It was purchased by the current keeper in 2018, a specialist film vehicle hire company, for the use in the up and coming film ‘Peter Rabbit 2’ which is being released 27th March 2020. The MoT test certificate history shows that this Morris has covered less than 10,000 in the last twelve years. Supplied with a V5C registration document, this is a rare opportunity to purchase a Austin Morris Minor 1000 6cwt Van offered without reserve which now has some film providence and if the second film does as well as the first could cause a rise in value in the future.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.