IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Mr Bean's Mini (15k special!)

Need an insurance quote for your classic car? Visit Adrian Flux
www.adrianflux.co.uk
Voiceover below!
So first of all, despite this Mini being the Mini most people think of when they think of Mr Bean, there were actually several minis used.
RNT 996H - which was an orange mini with a Sandglow passenger side wing. Due to receiving a lot of abuse in the first episode it was suspected to have disappeared as the years passed, although it has recently resurfaced. So we may see this featured on IDRIVEACLASSIC at some point in the future!
For TV and movie buffs, it’s really interesting to note after this appeared in the first episode, it became something of a donor car and the steering wheel cover, front seats, carpet and seat protector covers were later moved over to the green mini.
In fact, this steering wheel cover is THE actual steering wheel cover from the series - madness!
SLW 287R as we are testing today is probably one of the most famous Minis in the world and it’s a 1977 Leyland Cars Mini with a 998cc engine and 4 forward speed manual transmission unit. It’s painted Austin Citron Green with a Matte Black unspecified paint name colour bonnet and is painted the same shade of matte black inside.
Despite this being the Mini you probably think of when you think of Mr Bean, there were actually three minis painted this colour and used in the series and two additional cars but these had no engine and were crushed by the tank in addition to one of the main cars.
Although of course for the purpose of filming, all had the SLW plates on.
The reason they had multiple minis was to film additional footage and various other bits and pieces as we’ll discuss later, but as you’ll note, there are three different washer jets - this was for the Mr Bean visits the Dentist famous getting ready whilst driving scene - and was put onto the other Minis so as to not to be immediately obvious to the everyday viewer there were multiple cars.
Despite this colour scheme screaming Mr Bean from the moment you clap eyes on it, it actually started life as a Harvest Gold car - for reference the paint job on this is pretty good and I didn’t spot any giveaways whilst reviewing!
The first time Mr Bean’s green mini was used was in episode 3 of the series - however at the start of the episode you don’t see the padlock but by the end it’s present.
It’s amazing how TV continuity used to be so bonkers!
Another piece of trivia from that first episode is that in the traffic light scene the plates are different front and back - the back plate reads SLK 287R which actually belonged to a Ford Cortina used in another sketch.
Really interestingly, the episodes weren’t all filmed in order, so the production team often swapped bits between minis and all sorts of other little details - which explains why bits were borrowed from the original orange Mini!
Of course anyone watching this must remember the famous scene where Mr Bean steered from the roof. One of the other ‘green and black’ minis was given secret/hidden driver compartment and roof strengthening for the stunt work used in that scene.
So sadly, you won’t be seeing me recreate that today with SLW largely because I’m scared of heights but also because the roof on this is standard with no additional support.
In fact, when this scene was filmed, SLW was given a spruce up prior to filming and with that, the seats and carpet from the orange mini were done away with - the steering wheel cover was also removed but luckily that wasn’t binned.
So with Mr Bean being such an iconic series - where are they now?
SLW as we test here today is in a private collection, the orange Mini is also in a private collection and one of the other green and black minis YAN 939T as used in the driving on the roof scene has moved around a fair bit. It was originally owned by Peter Nelson who owned the Cars of the Stars museum and now it lives in Florida.
Now SLW, in my opinion, one of the most iconic cars of childhood TV is here before us today via a VERY kind offer from the current owner.
The car is about to go off for a no expense spared resto to preserve it for the future but it’s worth noting the car even today with a few small niggles is a breathtaking bit of history.
And in fact, it almost didn’t happen. We almost lost this car if it hadn’t been for the current owner who spotted it, badly painted Java Green and recognised it from a rubbish photo with a broken numberplate which he immediately realised was either THE Mini or close to it.
Upon arriving to view, the current owner realised what was sitting before him and he took the car on and has done extensive work to get the car to the point we see today. From shoddy parts needing replacing to lots of engine work - this car has been treated as the celebrity it really is.
#mrbean #mrbeansmini

[@anuragkumargupta8313]

Sometimes it's not the horsepower, it's the emotion that makes a car legendary.

[@johndrake2729]

Love how she sounds. Atkinson clearly knew his cars.

[@jamiecapes2644]

I think that mini was the main supporting actor, with respect to Teddy and the lady friend.

[@dbt2787]

Imagine having the privilege to drive the actual car featured on probably one of the most iconic shows ever made seen by millions of people around the world. That must be incredible!

[@FariesWearBoots1970]

Mr Bean wasn't getting ready to go to work, He was getting ready to go to the Dentist.

[@olly5764]

Lol, definately worth waiting to the end! Maybe an Italian Job mini through a shopping centre for 20k?

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahaha. I need to think of something!

[@rich3500]

@@idriveaclassic How about this kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y56adYFnrZukhLs It's certainly different!

[@Mr330d]

@@idriveaclassic Kept going to grab another gear didn't you 😏😂

[@residentsteve]

I do prefer the newer mini myself and the newer movie. I just think the old mini is to small and won’t feel safe driving it.

[@bobchalk123]

This has made my day!! Another fantastic episode, Steph.

[@darranyoung6077]

Love the car, love the channel....absolutely buckled at the outtakes! 😂 Always so much fun! 15k well deserved Steph, you're a star 🤩

[@anthonyfmoss]

This is a lovely channel I’m really glad I discovered. Smashing presenter in Steph and interesting classic cars. So looking forward to future videos.

[@idriveaclassic]

You’re so lovely. Thank you xxx

[@jkk244]

Great video Steph! And congratulations on 15K subscriptions. It’s hot here in Texas, but I took my ‘88 Mini out for an early morning run, and then I come home and find you have done a video on the actual Mr Bean Mini! It made my day.

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

The best part was the outtakes and the unintentional double entendre. Made my day, thanks Steph! I remember that episode from Mr Bean and it inspired me to find that episode online and watch it again, and pause both videos at the same spot.

[@paulkelly5817]

Another great video from my favourite motoring reviewer/guru! You've given me the bug with your enthusiasm for vehicles from days gone by and I collect my classic Talbot camper Friday. Cheers Steph!

[@pj100565]

That’s made my Sunday, Steph - thanks very much!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks for watching Paul ❤️

[@DonVito18]

why does she look like if Julia Wicket was a nice person

[@thomasawl]

bean didnt pay his rent again so she’s nicked his car

[@jaggass]

There was a coninutity error on First Aid when Mr Bean tried to get his Mini going after the battery when flat. When he tried to start it outside his house it was the MK3 Mini with reversing lights then when he got it going after jump starting from the ambulance it was the MK2 Mini with no reversing lights like the one shown here I'm guessing the production crew had to use one of the back up Mini's that day.

[@rydermike33]

Many congrats on the success of the channel Steph. Well deserved. With regards to the Mini Sir Alec was spot on with the wonderful little car and its 'go-cart' handling.

[@aeciodesouza]

this is amazing! congrats for the 15k! and thanks for sharing the car's and teddy's stories! cheers :)

[@paulferrara9079]

Thank you for the great smooth close ups. Great video's, loving them!! You know your stuff, love hearing the details. Lived in the UK for 4 years 87-1991 got to travel all over England and Wales in may different cars. Really had a great time. : ) Just now 15,000 subscribers, oh you are gonna have a lot more than that coming. Well done.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Congratulations, Steph. That was wonderful! I was tempted to but a Mini when they were still available new here. I sort of wish I had, although they are not much fun when the snow is a foot deep. Keep having fun, and we, your fans, will keep right on watching.

[@eddiebrock118]

I cant believe im this early. Smashing the like already. Good morning everybody. Congratz on 15k subs. Remember when you was just over a thousand or so. Great work Steph.

[@idriveaclassic]

It’s mad isn’t it! Thank you xx

[@aranyakm]

Mr. Bean lives. Hats off to the new owner.

[@817mikeyh]

Well done Steph on smashing 15k subscribers. Loving the video, keep up the great work

[@gatewayz75]

Love the videos ! Congratulations on 15k

[@mercamg]

Congrats Steph on 15K! Fantastic video, cheers from Chile.

[@krisztm7221]

Congrats Steph for your 15.000, it's gone go up faster and faster. I'm sure soon we gone see you visiting Jay Leno's garage.

[@idriveaclassic]

aww you’re so lovely thank you xx

[@stanwbaker]

Some of us are working on the checklist when "Steph Goes America". Tri-five Chevy, Ford Ranger & Econoline, Chrysler New Yorker, etc.

[@idriveaclassic]

Stan W. Baker I may need help if I go to America for suggestions from lovely lot xx

[@timothyokane9710]

@@stanwbaker How about a Nash Metropolitan.

[@stanwbaker]

@@timothyokane9710 Too similar to an Austin Metropolitan. Surely our Steph has one of those on her dance card.

[@TheJane73]

What a lovely review! So funny at the end 😂. Congratulations on passing 15,000 subscribers.

[@alansimpson835]

Aww what a great car to be able to drive. When I think how iconic this particular Mini was and how many diecast models were made of it, I'd have thought it would have gone straight to a museum. How lucky that the chap who bought it realised what he had. Glad the Mini won you over. I absolutely love mine. 40mph never felt so fast or so fun

[@lesliedickinson198]

Congratulations on passing the 15k subs mark Steph, you deserve it for such an entertaining channel. As for the mini yes they were very fun cars as i used to have a clubman about 35 yrs ago and I wish I had it now 🙂

[@simontheumamarshall1577]

Congrats Steph to your 15k, looking forward to watching

[@SiloNova25]

Made my Sunday 😄 Brilliant review. So glad to see this car is being cherished.

[@idriveaclassic]

Aww thanks for watching! Xxxx

[@tentotwo8290]

Thanks for sharing 👍 Congratulations on 15k xx

[@theshowman8478]

Great fun ! and congrats on 15K subs. The ending was really funny :-)

[@taisonwade4923]

Congratulations on 15,000 subs!! Really enjoyed this video.

[@98parin]

Love your work Steph. Congrats on 15k subs. Thumbs up from Western Australia

[@raymondhunt6109]

Ray Hunt Congratulations on reaching 15k, love your channel as I used to own cars from '60s and 70s. And still love cars.

[@jasonjesson9742]

Well done on the 15k, entertaining as always. 🙂

[@Grimhilde7]

a gut-wrenching howl of agony that was heard up and down the British Isles from The Channel Islands all the way north to The Orkneys as poor Mr Bean,s helpless little car was crushed flat like a beverage can by an Army main battle tank.....! Q-what did they ever do with the Bean-Mobile,s flattened remains....? it really ought to be preserved as an icon in some sort of television/cinematic hall of fame/museum....! some of those faces Rowan Atkinson made in that scene were Classic Television GOLD......!

[@paullacey2999]

Such an iconic show.Good clean fun!Pity the Reliant always got done in!Great as always Steph!

[@garyrogers844]

That was brilliant, I remember that scene when he was on his way to the dentist very funny. Great video.

[@RoyCousins]

Another great review. Congrats on 15k subs! 😎👍👍👍

[@co1581]

that is one grunty little engine, congratulations by the way. this is one heck of a way to celebrate 15k subs

[@RichieRouge206]

The startup of an A-series is one of my favourite sounds - and the first gear whine is sublime

[@MapleMarmite]

Great vid! Congrats on the 15K!! 🎉 When I was in the UK , I always dreamt of ‘finding’ a tv car that had been lost. I’m always in two minds about the nut and bolt restos on famous cars as often there is little of the original left once it’s done. Better than losing the car altogether if it needs the work, though. The Sweeney Consul GT just went back on the road after a 30 year restoration - maybe you could get to chase your own Marina around a few back streets for some 70’s tv!

[@overdriveam7498]

Hello and congratulations for your 15K subscribers. It is always nice to see a good video with nice details about a British classic car, regards from France :-) Alex

[@jks-5412]

I never wanted this video to end

[@jonyG1991]

Love the way you present as there is no one out there that does it like you your definately a throw back from the past love you

[@static-audio]

Well done on 15k. Great channel. My first car in 1988 was a 1971 mini clubman 1100 in antique gold (more like yukky green). Went as fast as a 1275 somehow. Then I had a 1000cc red mini from 1985 a few years later though the engine was replaced with another 1100cc. Wish I had kept them such fun to drive. Keep up the great content you are doing really well 😬

[@justbac]

I'm a little late to the party but I'm so happy I found this video from your 2020 Instagram Top Nine! I've been a US Bean fan since I was a kid in the 90s. I rewatched them all again last year and wondered what became of that car. I'd love to hear more of that story! Thanks for making this!

[@cme2cau]

Congratulations, Steph. I followed you from the lockdown interview you did with HubNut. I'm so glad I did.

[@graemeparsons110]

Fantastic video Steph - welcome to the world of classic minis 😀 Started watching your cool videos this year during the lockdown and do recall you saying you were not a mini fan - hopefully driving that icon has won you over 🤞🚗 Congratulations on the 15k subscribers , here’s to the next 15k 🍾 🥂

[@charliered420]

If I remember right, YAN 939T isn't the one used in the armchair scene, the actual car used in that stunt was already crushed by the tank, as it was one of 3 used for that scene. It was a brown car and I think the plate number is unknown

[@ogeekrural4872]

amazing work you've done! congrats from Portugal and you have one more subscriber!

[@GentilsGarage]

Amazing. I saw this car (or maybe another used in te series?) years ago during the cars of the stars exhibition and I'm glad it's in far better shape compared to when I saw it nearly 20 years ago. Oh my... Camac Tyres, haven't seen them for while. Great video, Loved all the Mr Bean trivia!

[@FuelPower]

Can't not like this! Great video! Such an iconic little car. You're right, the handling is to die for :D

[@snesmat]

What a great video! Thank you very much and keep up the great content!!!

[@idriveaclassic]

Aww thank you! Xxx

[@imranhashmi6172]

It is a pleasure listening to you. Your voice is pleasant and enunciation perfect. Knowledge wise unbeatable.

[@bcfairlie1]

One of your best reviews ever. Well done

[@Scuba72Chris]

Another brilliant video, well done Steph! Not only am I a fan of Mr. Bean, but my first car was a 1979 mini 1000 in finest British Leyland 'Sandglow". I loved that car and wish I'd never sold it. I only paid £200 for it back in 1990 but prices these days have gone through the roof! The Mini 1000 really is a pocket rocket which handles like a go-kart. Fab memories. :)

[@paulh4842]

Hi really looking forward to this review and congratulations on 15k steph

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks paul x

[@nagaraworkshop]

So pleased it has been saved. Lovely video as usual :-)

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh thank you! Xxx

[@LewisCollard]

I was going to make the obvious joke about Steph finally getting to drive Brian's Eclipse but that would have been too easy. Congrats on 15k & the sponsorship! And congrats on scoring such a cool car. :)

[@tankboyful]

you catching the water was hilarious! you just had to though. Rowan is smiling somewhere. good video.

[@markkimberley3083]

Well done Steph 15k and I am proud to be one of your subscribers

[@chrisjackson3750]

Great episode, some nice new camera angles too 👍, agree with your thoughts about older cars, they are more involving to drive, maintaining momentum, braking earlier, no power steering, it all adds to the physical involvement of driving them, nothing better than a chilled out drive, very relaxing 👍 P.s. omg so funny washer shots 😂, good luck with that on social media 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahahaha. That washer shot.

[@chrisjackson3750]

Congrats on 15k too 👍

[@jackharriet4814]

Well done Steph - congrats on 15K.

[@tarmokortelainen4572]

I like this channel. Very good performance and attitude. Very good aspects. Very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@robertngreen6]

Great news and congratulations on 15000 subscribers Steph! And what a brilliant car to celebrate with! Actually, this is possibly your best video yet - well researched and clearly you were having so much fun when you drove it! All the best to you and the channel!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you lovely xxx

[@Archive06000]

@@idriveaclassic is the engine very reliable? and is there is some problem?

[@paulleighton8522]

Congratulations Steph. Both me and the other 15,599 petrolheads here love what you do. I realise this is not as easy as snapping your fingers but I'd love other classic TV cars done this way if (when, hehe) you can get them. I'm not a huge fan of the show but I did love the trivia during the walkround. Also, a camera car? Very impressive! Keep doing what you're doing Steph, and congrats also for the sponsorship! ... But maybe brush your teeth the conventional way lol.

[@jedw]

I'm glad I stayed for the closing seconds 😂 Top marks Steph.

[@zebedep]

Wow!! What an iconic vehicle and this video is a joy to watch. I've now subscribed, thanks :-)

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you! Xx

[@MrMarioXP3648]

OMG This is legit the best thing I’ve seen ever since I first watched Mr. Bean when I was a kid! Quite the rarest car anybody can find

[@peterriggall8409]

Congrats. on 15k Steph. Great little vehicle to mark the milestone. Roman Atkinson is a real car nut apparently so you did his Mini proud. Keep up the great work.

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh thanks so much peter x

[@slapheadone1]

Brilliant review Steph on a classic TV car that we all love. Thank you.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks John!

[@thedirectionoflife5384]

I feel like I’ve only just watched the 5K special! This channel is growing.

[@lincolnmicahfox]

Awesome, glad I found your channel, keep up the good work

[@asa1973100]

Once again utterly darling video that is a pleasure to watch . I have always been such a fan of the mini car after owning many Riley’s Elfs in the past commonly known as the Mini with the bustle or HSSK Minis “ Head scarf South Kensington’s as they was known back in the day . Fabulous work my dear and many congratulations on you winning your sponsorship

[@idriveaclassic]

Awww thank you so much for watching xxx

[@flumpaustin1994]

Super video, Steph! Minis are great!

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

Good morning Steph! Lovely to see your beautiful smile! Congratulations on the 15k! Take care! :-)

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks so much Chris!!! Xxx

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

@@idriveaclassic My pleasure! And thank you for sharing! :-)

[@frimleyfrodo]

Congratulations and thanks for great content.

[@Allandrover]

I live in the wrong country. We need more people like you Steph in NZ. Thanks so much really enjoyed this one.

[@gryfandjane]

Lovely episode, Steph! Such an iconic car... I did observe, however, that at no time during the test drive did you bump a Reliant Robin. ;-) Congrats on the 15K!

[@shailashelu8075]

I can't believe it! Awesome!

[@hgordon24]

Congrats on 15k subscribers

[@andyrobertshaw9120]

I’m a big Mr Bean fan, and it was fantastic to see his car being driven, and learn quite a few things I didn’t know about it! When he drove to the dentist, I’m sure the horn was at the centre of the steering wheel, which he pressed with his foot while getting dressed. Maybe another inconsistency in the films.

[@mattfoster]

great video as always, thanks for sharing and congrats on 15k subs.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Matt!

[@mattfoster]

@@idriveaclassic you're welcome as always.

[@emilesorenson4884]

Thank you doing Mr Bean car made me laugh when you were driving it . From Palmerston North new Zealand. Good seeing the lock still on the door 🔐

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Had to revisit this video as my 3 year old Daughter has just started watching Mr Bean the tv series and the cartoon series, I can see what we will be getting for her birthday this year!

[@RobinTheMini]

Finally! A Mini in your channel!

[@Austinmini-rt3zh]

Wonderful video! I've had people refer to my 1976 Mini as 'the Mr. Bean car' whilst driving it in the US although mine is white. They are lovely little cars. You did a fantastic job of reviewing this one and I love all of your videos!

[@Epsilon1Zeta]

Oh that was fun to watch!

[@davidrussell6513]

I learnt to drive in a Mini 1000 with BSM and this brings it all back. Great fun !

[@johnhayes4110]

Congrats on 15,000 looking forward to Mr.Beans mine 😁

[@stuarthall2180]

Congratulations on your new sponsor Steph. Only onwards and upwards from now on.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks so much Stuart

[@matthewwren1177]

Yet another good little film!

[@gc5384]

Steph Well done on the sponsorship deal with Adrian flux should be proud of yourself.. congrats on the 15000 though you deserve double for channel content and being so down to earth as I keep saying.. hope all your family are safe and well . Mr bean takes my back to my younger years was my fav program back then and i still watch the repeats now best wishes sending u hugs xx

[@idriveaclassic]

Aww thanks for watching! Hope you’ve had a lovely week xxx

[@gc5384]

@@idriveaclassic u too xx have a good one don't work too hard although I've watched Sundays video I've nothing to watch till next week now lol x

[@tomfinney6498]

Great video Steph ! :-)

[@sidharth9856]

Well I expected that 3 wheel blue car on the road :P BTW your videos are awesome!!

[@martinevans1256]

Well that’s it you have hit the big time and I’m delighted for you great review love a mini congratulations on your channel 🥳

[@idriveaclassic]

People kept asking and I couldn’t spill the beans on the mini I’d booked 😂

[@martinevans1256]

idriveaclassic nice one 😂

[@RichieRouge206]

1977 is the year I was born! I always thought this was Applejack, rather than Citrus Green! Absolutely great tour and fascinating - I grew up with Mr Bean and loved him and the unique comedy! Great video Steph - be lovely if you could histories on the Only Fools And Horses and Keeping Up Appearances cars and congratulations on the 15k!!

[@dhatchbernier]

Steph, you are a delightful presenter. I adore this channel!

[@marcelivovangerwen2926]

Wauw that's so cool I love it! And of course congrats with your succes reviewing the coolest cars from the past..cheers and goodluck from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 👍🏻👍🏻 😃😃