Introduced in January 1960, the Mini Panel Van utilised a stretched version of its saloon car sibling’s platform with the battery, spare wheel and fuel tank all re-positioned so as not to impinge on the load area.

Exempt from sales tax as a commercial vehicle, it sported a pressed steel grille, sliding windows and external door hinges throughout its twenty-three year production life.

Initially powered by an 848cc four-cylinder, it could be specified with the more powerful 998cc engine from 1967 onwards (both A-series units being mated to the same four-speed manual transmission).

Benefiting from a four-inch longer wheelbase, taller rear suspension turrets and under floor fuel tanks, the Panel Van / Pick-Up derivatives were arguably even more fun to drive than their saloon equivalents.

British Leyland’s decision to discard Austin and Morris badging for Minis in favour of a new ‘MINI’ brand from October 1969 onwards saw the popular workhorse redesignated as the Mini Van 850 or Mini Va...