The original Mini is considered a British icon of the 1960s with its space-saving, front-wheel drive layout, allowing 80% of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage and was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, behind the Ford Model T. The distinctive, two-door vehicle was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and was manufactured at Longbridge and Cowley plants. The Mini Mk. I had three major UK updates; the Mk. II, the Clubman and the Mk. III. Within these were a series of variations including an estate car, a pick-up and a van. Initially, Minis were marketed under the Austin and Morris names as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor until Mini became a marque in its own right in 1969.<br /> This fully restored Mini 1000 van was first registered in June 1978, to a Mr. Sargeant in Denver, Norfolk and sold by Lovell's Garage. As evident in the service passport, Lovell's Garage serviced the original car annually until 1982 at which point, it had covered 24,432 miles. Lovell's then sold the car to a Mr. Harman which is where the history, unfortunately, falls away. Purchased again in 1988 by a further keeper with the intention to be a lovely first car for his son, the Mini underwent a full restoration, including engine and interior, complemented by a bare metal re-spray in Brooklands Green. Disappointingly, the vendor went to these efforts, only to realise, upon insuring the vehicle, its commercial status was not cost effective for a 17 year old. The quality is extremely good and the van today is as good as it was when the restoration was complete. Along with the vehicle, the original Service Passport, Driver's Handbook and a wealth of old MoT and registration documents can be found, tracking the ownership of the little motorcar, meaning this example would make a fantastic addition for a mini connoisseur or perhaps even as a PR/marketing tool.<br /> Front breaks just been upgraded to discs ........ matching engine/V5 number <br />