The wood-trimmed 1969 Austin Mini Countryman now for sale on eBay Motors appeared long after wood-paneled American wagons had gone over to fake timber. Mark Wilkins, the car’s proud owner, purchased the car with its original wood a decade ago out of a museum in Scotland. Wilkins, a retired military man, drove his find all over Europe, including at the famous Nürburgring racetrack. After returning to his native Rio Rancho, N.M., he spent an additional $39,000 on the ’69 Countryman—turning the iconic model into a pristine and capable modern ride with a bumping stereo.
The timbered split doors open wide.
Wilkins replaced the Mini’s original but somewhat anemic 1,100-cc motor with the sportier 1,275-cc variant as seen in the Cooper S. The white wagon also features front disc brakes - opens in new window or tab., electronic ignition, newly revarnished original wood, more comfortable Mazda Miata seats - opens in new window or tab., a new chrome grille, reverse rims, and a Mota Lita steering wheel - opens in new window or tab.. The piece de resistance is a custom-fitted $7,400 13-speaker Super JL Audio Advance Custom stereo with a huge subwoofer.
The seats are out of a Miata, and the stereo is well hidden.
The stereo, cleverly hidden to preserve the period look, was fitted by the company as a demonstrator, and it appeared at several car shows. “It’s symphonic,” said Wilkins, who nonetheless listens to rock and country on it—at full blast. Another special feature of the car is its full-length Webasto sunroof - opens in new window or tab.—fitted to only a few of these cars, Wilkins said.
The potent 1,275-cc Cooper motor replaced the anemic 1,100-cc original.
Instant Hit, In Europe
The early Countryman was the station-wagon variant of the famous Mini, designed by the legendary Alec Issigonis. He started work on three new top-secret experimental cars in 1955, and because of period fuel rationing, it was the smallest and most frugal of these (the XC/9003) that got the green light. It was running by 1957, and launched in 1959—soon becoming almost a big a hit as the Ford Mustang was to be just a few years later in the U.S.
The Mini shows well. Note its rare full-length sunroof, which sits neatly under another period accessory—the roof rack.
These Minis were produced well into the 1990s in various markets—but were scarce in the U.S., where they were deemed too small for President Eisenhower’s new Interstates. In slower-paced Europe, the car was so popular that there was a market for luxury Mini variants, like Riley, Wolseley, Leyland, and Rover - opens in new window or tab..
The wood-paneled Mini Countryman makes a nice package. There were also panel vans.
Wilkins reckons that there are fewer than 50 original Mini Countrymen left. Other classic Mini Coopers - opens in new window or tab. can be found on eBay Motors, as well as support for the 1275 engine - opens in new window or tab. (also used in Austin-Healey and MG cars) and Mini Countryman parts - opens in new window or tab. of all eras.
Wilkins said the Mini is being sold to help pay the steep bills for the care of his autistic granddaughter. “I love the car, but I’m letting it go for a steal because the kids come first,” he said.
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