History
The Mini Estate was launched on 16th September 1960 . Production started in March 1960 with Austin chassis number 19126 and Morris chassis number 19101 but there had been prototypes running around in 1959 . The first models were called the Austin Se7en Countryman and Morris Mini Minor Traveller and were available in the same colours as the saloon but only in De-Luxe specification with wing mirrors and a heater.
In April 1961 the all-steel estate was launched for the overseas market only, with both Austin and Morris sharing the same chassis number 85867 but being prefixed with “A” or “M” respectively. They were introduced on to the domestic market in October 1962, at the same time the 3 clock binnacle was introduced to the whole range along with the Cooper-style corner bars to the bumpers to make them Super De-Luxe models.
The rear floor pressing of these early estates resembled that of an extended saloon with the battery being retained in its traditional Mini location in the boot only to be moved to the new location under the rear seat on the right hand side behind the driver of a right hand drive car in October 1961.
One of the most interesting things about the very early cars was the internal fuel tank on the lefthand side in the rear of the car. 12 months after the estate launch in early October 1961 the estate adopted the van-style fuel tank. The production run of the so-called “Internal Tanked” Woody was so limited that these have become the most sought after of all by early Mini fans. From October 1962 they received all the 1962 upgrades from the saloon, including the monotone interior trim and fittings which was cheaper to manufacture, doing away with the earlier saloons fleck-style interiors.
The Ribbed roof was introduced in very late 1965 to help reduce the vibration and booming noise of the flat roof. This was very successful and was carried over to the van at the same time.
The Mk2 estate was introduced in 1967 alongside the saloon using the new squarer grille but retaining the same rear styling as the Mk1 but now with the 998cc engine and remote gear change, only 42,000 Mk2 Estates being made before the introduction of the new Clubman Estate in 1969.
