1976 Austin Mini pickup 

Custom Mini Pickup - left-hand-drive [in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.]

UPDATE: GONE to its new home in Panama!


The best deals on Minis are when the owner has invested far more in their car than they could ever recoup.

This extremely clean '76 pickup is a great example of one of those great deals, as it's selling for a fraction of what it would cost to build one like it!

Mini pickups are relatively rare, and more so for left-hand drive (LHD) models such as this one. This one has only about 10k miles since full restoration and customization, when it was also upgraded to a 1275cc engine and four-synchro, four speed transmission with a quick-shift. Fitted with 1.75" single SU carb and performance intake and exhaust manifolds and low-restriction exhaust system. Its original drum brakes are upgraded to 8.4" discs in front, with Super Minifin alloy drums in the rear.

Cruises at 70 mph without really breathing hard - and will do more than 85 mph if you're in a hurry!

Exceptionally clean inside and out.

Exterior upgrades include 13" deep-dish Minilite-style (8-spoke) alloys with body-color wheel arches (flares) to complete the look. Also fitted are twin driving lights, chrome side mirrors, headlight eyelashes and a custom vinyl bed cover. Under the bonnet is a get-outta-my-way air horn setup.

A Mk1-type "moustache grill" fitted to this truck replaces the fixed-panel-type grille that were standard on all Mini pickups and panel vans throughout their entire production runs. Along with that, pickups and vans also retained the sliding windows and external door hinges that were a feature of Mk1 (1967-and-older) Mini sedans (or, saloon, if you will). (By way of explanation, UK-built Mini pickups and vans never had rollup windows, but some built under license in other countries - such as Australia - had the relatively rare rollup windows and "quarter lights," or what we typically call "wind wings").

The all-new, full-custom interior includes red-and-black upholstery, door cards and carpets. Along with the killer AM/FM/CD sound system, there's a DVD player with a 3.5" screen. An amp powers twin 5.25" speakers in front, and 6x9" speakers in the rear. Also fitted are a tachometer and alloy pedal pads.

For increased cooling in Florida's climate, the cooling system has been upgraded with a three-core radiator, an auxiliary electric fan, a small, 6x8" supplemental radiator behind the grille, and a 16-blade fan. Also, an aftermarket oil cooler helps keep engine temperature under control.

Needless to say, it never runs hot!

Additional under-hood upgrades include a 105-amp alternator to power the upgraded sound system and the super-bright aftermarket "angel eye" headlamps fitted with true HID bulbs and a ballast.


Runs and drives very well.

Built to be a reliable, completely streetable driver, and the current owner uses it daily in his business. Tires are new, and things such as the shocks, disc rotors, battery and belts are recently replaced.

Current Florida registration. Located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. [ ID# REDPUFLA1 ] Asking $15k.

UPDATE: GONE to its new home in Panama!


NOTE: This truck may not be registered in California, as it is a 1976.


FINE PRINT: MiniGuy / Lewis Motors makes no representations as to the accuracy of any seller's listings on our "Consignment - For Sale by Owner" pages, including but not limited to, physical or mechanical condition of vehicle, status of title or registration, any applicable emissions-equipment, emissions-testing or emissions-certification requirements, as well as relevant safety equipment or safety-related requirements, import status, or fitness for use. Please note that emissions or safety requirements may differ by state, region, or country. Potential buyers should consult their appropriate state or local agencies or departments to determine, among other things, the status of a particular vehicle related to the above, including vehicles that might normally be exempt from emissions testing, emissions equipment, or emissions certification requirements. For California buyers or sellers, more information may be obtained from various state and local agencies, including, but not limited to, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Bureau of Automotive Repairs (BAR) and the California Air Resources Board (ARB).

BOTTOM LINE: This is a case where it pays to do your homework. Be careful what you buy, you may not be able to drive it in California

Contact Information

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