COMING TO AUCTION
THE WING, SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT
Viewing: 24th July 2015 All Day
Auction: 25th July 2015 11:00 onwards
Auction (day 2): 26th July 2015 11:00 onwards
1978 AUSTIN MINI CLUBMAN WOOD & PICKETT
The founders of Wood & Pickett, Bill Wood and Les Pickett learned the Coachbuilding trade at London's foremost Coachbuilder of the 40s & 50s, Hooper & Co.but, in 1947, they decided to leave and start their own business, and it's reputed that, in the early days, the business was run from Bill Wood's front room.
Over the next few years, Wood & Pickett's business began to grow and they eventually acquired premises in Abbey Road, Park Royal, deep in the heart of what was, at that time, London's coachbuilding industry. The company made what could be called "steady progress" until in the 1960s they decided to specialise in highly luxurious Mini conversions. The company became "Wood & Pickett Ltd." and did excellent business building their own versions of these Super Luxury Minis, made fashionable by the likes of Peter Sellers, George Best, Twiggy & Princess Margaret. These early conversions were done by Hoopers or Harold Radford, but soon W&P were competing for this highly lucrative market.
Offered here, is a one owner from new, Wood and Pickett Mini, chassis no.XL2W2524450A, that has covered only 29,068 miles and been garaged all of its life. It has a most comprehensive history file which covers the unique story of this very rare Mini which, it's thought, is the only conversion of the estate version carried out by Wood and Pickett. Finished in Rolls Royce Metallic Caribbean Blue with a blue leather and velour interior, it's an incredible original example. It has the signature ‘Margrave' Elite dashboard in padded navy blue hide with black suede, and Navy blue leather door cards and thick blue carpets complete the luxurious feel. The headlining and sun visors are in grey cloth.
The full specification includes:
Lockable wheel nuts with 5"x10" tech Del Mini-lite wheels. Electric windows to front doors. Electrically adjustable door mirrors. Leather trimmed Wood & Pickett 14" steering wheel in dark blue leather. Dipping rear view mirror with direction indicator turning lights. Twin Automatic Reversing Lights mounted under the rear bumper. Direction indicator lights to front wings. Twin headlights. Air horn with changeover switch. Navy Blue Leather rear compartment roll-over cover. Deluxe soundproofing of the interior. FM Radio cassette. High output alternator installed. Chrome Front Bumper bars with WP logo. Bonnet Lock. Extra Private Lock doors to front doors. A Stainless Steel finish to the top of the doors (pair).
This is a unique opportunity to own an important part of the Mini story with a complete history. The Mini was bought on the 17th August 1978 from Cleveland Garages, the Austin garage in Jersey and despatched to Wood & Pickett in the UK for conversion. It then came back then to the island and was first registered on the 13 December 1978. The Mini has remained with the original owner ever since. The history file contains all the correspondence between the owner and Mr. Wood detailing the required specification even down to the upholstery colour swatch. All books and service records are present as is a set of spare keys. All taxes are paid and there is a NOVA application number.
Viewing and bidding
The Silverstone Classic is a closed event and an event ticket will be required along with an auction catalogue to enter the sale. Ticket information can be found here: Silverstone Classic ticket information
The Silverstone Classic Auction takes place from 11:00am on Saturday 24th & Sunday 26th July 2015 in The Wing building at Silverstone circuit, NN12 8TN.
Viewing of the lots will be available on Friday 24th July 2014 and on the morning of Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July 2015.
Please note as this is a two day sale the following lot numbers will be sold on the days indicated:
DAY ONE
Automobilia Lots 301 - 370
Lifestyle Lots 401 - 447
Cars 501-551
DAY TWO
Automobilia Lots 601 - 670
Lifestyle Lots 701 - 749
Cars 801 - 849
Bidding at the auction can be done either in person by attending the sale, by telephone, by leaving a commission bid or live, online viaProxibid. Full details of registration requirements and a buying guide can be found on the Silverstone Auctions website (http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/buying).
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