1964 Austin Mini 

1964 Austin woodie wagon [in San Diego]

UPDATE: Aug. 22 - Sorry, it will be headed to its new home shortly!

NOTE: In the last few pics, shown are Hawaiian-theme seat covers, a Union Jack flag, and a surfboard with soft strap-on carriers. All are included with this nice little woodie wagon.


This 1964 Austin "Countryman" (aka: "woodie wagon") is in exceptional condition, following a 2002 bare-metal, inside-and-out repaint, along with new upholstery and carpets done in its original red colors. During paintwork, the original wood was removed and refinished, then refitted using stainless screws. Since then, the wood is sanded and re-varnished each year (not unlike caring for a fine boat!).

Note that the Hawaiian-themed cloth seat covers are over perfect upholstery, and the Union Jack flag is just for grins!

This Mini currently resides in the Mission Beach area of San Diego, (Southern) California, where it is always garaged, never driven in the rain and used for regular, around-town driving on sunny afternoons and on weekends. (It is, however, freeway capable, and will carry several passengers at speed).

The surfboard - included with the car - sits on soft, strap-on board holders.

Mini woodie wagons - both the Austin Countryman and the Morris Traveller (which are virtually identical) - constitute a tiny fraction of the 5.5 million classic Minis built throughout the Mini's 41-year production run. Built only during the early to late '60's, the woodies were an upgrade from the standard Mini "station wagon," as they are known in the States, or "estate car" in the UK. At times, owners would upgrade their basic "tin wagons" by adding the wood trim, but this one's a factory-original woodie.

Most Minis are right-hand-drive, but this one's a factory left-hand-drive (LHD) car, believed to built for Canada (as its speedo reads in kilometers per hour).

With the ravages of rust, and tendency of wood to rot, few woodies remain - and even fewer in good condition, as is this one. Prior to repainting, there was no evidence of prior collision damage, and only minimal rust repairs were needed. There is reportedly no body filler (aka: "Bondo") in the body.

The original, (but rather anemic) 850cc engine has been upgraded to an 1100cc, and fitted with twin SU carbs (that give it better low-end throttle response and increased torque). Its original three-synchro, four-speed transmission with its "waggly" or "magic wand" shifter has been upgraded to a four-synchro with a remote shifter (ie: which now comes straight up from the floor).
This Mini still has its original 10" steel wheels with full wheel covers, and the 145-series tires are in excellent condition. Also has jack, two spares, and additional hub caps.

Period items include a British number plate in front and twin wing mirrors. (note: two vintage grille badges shown are not included).

As it's a Mk1 model, it has the traditional external-hinge doors with sliding windows, along with the wagon's sliding rear side windows that provide extra ventilation. Also fitted with front bumpers with corner bars and overriders, as found on the upgraded Mini Deluxe or Cooper models. As this Mini is an Austin, it has the classic Austin "wavy" grille. (The Morris grille is a bit different). Inside is the classic center-pod speedo and gauges, along with early-'60's Mk1 features such as cable door pulls, and chrome ashtrays front and rear.

Same owner since 2002. Meticulously maintained by British car specialist garage, with only typical replacements such as brakes, clutch, generator, battery and periodic electrical maintenance.

The engine reportedly shows minimal oil drops.

Interior includes AM/FM/CD player (with internal antenna, so no holes in front wing, aka fender). Speakers are in front dash area. Has heater, (an option on early Minis), and it works well. Interior dash and ceiling lights operate. Turn signal assembly, new since 2006, includes the classic flashing green bulb on end of turn-signal stalk

The cargo area - expanded by folding forward the rear seat - provides a surprising amount of room. (With front seats flipped forward, a full-size adult can sleep in the back!).

Cosmetic blemishes include a small ding in front bumper (about $75 for new), small rust blisters in "A" panels (ie: triangular-shaped panels between front of doors and rear of front wheel opening), minor surface rust in windshield-wiper panel, along with various small cracks and scratches. Bumperette on right rear is wrinkled. Original wood has some previous discoloration, but overall is now nicely refinished. Doors open, shut and lock well, but external door hinges, now painted black, could use new pin/bushing in one that's loose. Windshield washers aren't spraying; believed to be a clogged tip. (Owner hasn't bothered with it, as it's never driven in rain).

Odometer shows 52k kilometers (about 32k miles), but not documented as original.
It runs well, drives well, starts easily and has been fitted with an air diverter by the radiator to keep the engine as cool as possible. Mechanically, it reportedly needs nothing.
Currently titled and registered in California. As this Mini is a pre-1968 model, there is no California emissions-certification or smog check required.

Located in Mission Beach area of San Diego, (Southern) California.

Mechanical evaluation, escrow service and nationwide transport available at extra cost.

[ ID# SDWOOD1 ] Asking $10,500.

Contact Information

MiniGuy / Lewis Motors (805) 405-6263 Agoura Hills CA