Rust in pieces: Austin Minivan
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Ever wondered what would happen if you leave an Austin Minivan exposed to the elements on Dartmoor for the best part of 25 years? Well wonder no more as I’ve recently discovered this circa 1970 Minivan near my home. Surrounding evidence suggests that it has been laid up since 1986 and it is in such a bad way that pretty much every single part is unsalvageable.
On the last picture you can just about make out the rear wheel hidden behind the rear wheel arch. The chassis has rusted so badly that the entire body has collapsed over the wheels, creating a kind of lowrider effect.
There’s absolutely no chance of the car ever moving again, so the Minivan’s days of being a grocery delivery van are well and truly over. Rust in pieces.
8 Comments
Gav, after reading the intro about every part being unsalvageable, I had visions of the next paragraph being how you were aiming to restore it to it’s former glory.
Now I don’t know if I am relieved or disappointed.
Thanks
Chris
Ha! I think that would be classed as madness, even by my standards…!
Restore it? That would be lucky! I’ve heard that when some people buy classic wrecks which have sat on someone’s front drive for a few years to restore, it has been known for the car to split in half or collapse in on itself! This Minivan would probably turn do dust at a slight breeze. A good article, though – it’s exciting coming across something like this Minivan in the flesh.
Alas, this is one Minivan that won’t be moving any time soon. It’s not quite dead – but it won’t be long until it’s lost to the undergrowth!
I know I shouldn’t, but I might just have to go and take a look, just in case. I’m south of dartmoor, any clues as to where to look? cheers Chris
It’s too far gone! But drop me a line and I’ll let you know more!
aghhh poor mini van one of my first cars! I have seen some as bad on ebay fetch good money
Did you try jump starting it?