RARE 1959 Austin Mini FOUND in a bush! Is it salvageable?

Alright Mudlovers! Join Si and Steve as they swap their Hovercraft adventures for a Mini rescue attempt! For more random adventures click here! • You won't believe what...
If you are interested in buying the mini please email [e-mail]
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Music by Si-finds and Rephrase 594 / user-484438352
/ @rephrase594
#mudlover #luckinthemuck #sifinds
To Mudlark the Thames foreshore legally you need a permit from the PLA, please see their website for more details
pla.co.uk/Envir...
Other websites to check out
www.mudlarking.com
www.thamesbuttons.com
www.hovercrafthistoryhunters.com
© Simon Bourne 2021

[@Sifinds]

Thanks for watching Mudlovers! For more bizarre treasure hunting click here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmnKZWWJnruIbMk

[@oges74]

What a wonderful friend you are, hope you got a beer or three out of it

[@1chish]

Any reason my comment about the car's value even with a new bodyshell was deleted?

[@Sifinds]

@@1chish I didn’t delete it. Something about the log book? It’s still there somewhere…

[@1chish]

@@Sifinds No I replied to a comment suggesting that the car would be worth a new Heritage body shell. Someone else then said it was illegal so I gave a detailed reply with a DVLA source. Maybe the OP deleted their comment .. who knows? Anyway a really great piece and I hope it finds a good home. I am busy with my '78 Mini 1000. Oh and I couldn't afford the possible asking price! 🤣

[@Sifinds]

@@1chish email us an offer mate. You never know 👍🏻

[@TheBrummie60]

Made at Longbridge, Birmingham shortly after Mini went into production in August, 1959. My Dad was a rectifier on the Mini line from the very beginning, so would have definitely worked on this particular car. What a fabulous find, lads. Wish my Dad was still here to see this, one of the first Minis he checked over. Keep up the good work! 👍👍

[@Sifinds]

Awesome story. Thanks for sharing

[@martinda7446]

Don't think your dad would've let this one get through inspection...

[@TheBrummie60]

@@martinda7446 Indeed. Not a chance.👍

[@biscayforex4317]

tienes una joya. Mira los videos de Robin The Mini en español @juegablankyt197

[@nygelmiller5293]

To BRUMMIE Sorry YOUR DAD isn't here to see the car he worked on - but YOU are!

[@Beth_D]

Fill a shipping container with resin, chuck in the mini, a few swirly bits of dye coming out the exhaust - job done!

[@mazcats66silver34]

That's a brilliant idea 😂💥

[@LezMarwick]

LOL

[@Sifinds]

Damien Horst eat your heart out

[@imcavdb5465]

Best idea ever!! 😅🤣

[@MsCharsue]

A Triumph Toledo was my first car. My grandfathers old car which he sold to me for £1 in 1983 . I loved that car . He had mended it with tobacco tins where it had rusted through. Occasionally the windscreen wipers would fly off in heavy rain and wind. 😃 I had a wonderful bright orange mini in 1985, though the floor eventually rusted away so badly I had to give it up. Great fun driving.

[@Sifinds]

What a great story! Thanks for sharing!

[@christineberry3076]

Have seen Irish and Southern car fans do wonders with finds, though! Probably car parts on the web. Men do save stuff!

[@christineberry3076]

Hope you get rid of the wasps...at sundown!

[@jonnyohiggins6969]

As a car guy, the sight of this Mini hurts my soul.

[@sallystege7163]

Wow. Old cars are treasures. Old boats too. So very cool you had access to those items. Well done.

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Sally

[@diannmcdonald4949]

What can I say but this was absolutely totally entertaining. My husband and I loved this start to finish. The last section showing the car cleaned up did help to show that it does have “some” potential. It would have been too far gone for us to attempt but there is definite money in the parts or my husband says you could use it to anchor the hover craft. Lol! You are certainly a solid friend in helping when needed. Have a great week and please keep safe.

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Diann!!

[@vivienanderson603]

Standing over the car with a branch in your hand reminded me of Basil Fawlty! Think it’ll take more than a good beating to get that going again 😄😄

[@Sifinds]

Haha classic!!!!

[@phoebejones2070]

I must send this video link to my best friend. When we were young she had a mini and we went everywhere in it. Now she has a split screen Morris 1000 and we go in the classic car run every year. My cousin who lived in London had a gold coloured Hillman Imp and she was paid £50 a year to drive around with the word Durex along the side. :)

[@Sifinds]

Haha. Safest car on the road!

[@michelehood8837]

@@Sifinds I see what you did there, Simon

[@Badger13x]

It is always salvageable it just depends on how much time, money and effort you want to put in and hoe much of the original item will remain.

[@gertsgarden]

This looks like something Alex from Curiosity Inc. would take on. He restored a Royals Royce that had been eaten by raccoons!

[@monikawiedmann8594]

It was in much better nick all the same, haha!

[@denisemeredith2436]

The Rolls Royce wasnt really in such bad condition as this old Mini to be fair.

[@droolingfangirl]

The body of the rolls was in good condition, this one is rusted out

[@amywright2243]

Huge fan of Curiosity Inc, too! Also love Sidestep Adventures and Man+River!

[@jodivandyk3649]

Curiosity Inc. fans! Nice!

[@gilltaber2187]

Si, I can't even begin to say how much pleasure I got from this video. It took me right back to the early 70's and my lovely dad. He was a lorry driver but engines and cars were his passion. This took me back to helping him set up a tripod affair to lift the crosswise engine out of a Mini he had bought from some dodgy geezer who was going to scrap it. A Mini Cooper possibly; not sure, but hence the pleasure in watching you guys rescue that little Miss of history. May she find a loving home and shine once more. Thank you, Si, you made my day :)

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Gill!

[@Charstring]

My friend's dad, a Chinese man now in his late 80s, used to own a scrapyard. Once when he was cooking something in a wok, he said "you know what makes the BEST wok stand? A 1959 Mini headlamp surround. You can't beat them".

[@Sifinds]

Haha. Legend

[@stuartwilliams4898]

The car's so rusted away, I suspect it's beyond restoration .... but I'd look forward to a miracle if it happens!

[@chubbyroyston3880]

Only reason anyone would buy it is for the vin numbers, new shell complete new everything else engine may be reconditioned

[@cynthiarowley719]

That's my car! You scratched it! I was glued to the screen. You must have a great sense of accomplishment!

[@Sifinds]

Thanks Cynthia!

[@michellewilsdon294]

Thanks Si and Steve for another blast from my past--my uncle and grandfather were car restorers and back gardens were always "scrap" yards. Remember playing in vehicles going back to the 1910's. Some of these are now in the local museum. Ah good times- x

[@dudley8671]

*Perseverance!* Si-finds is the one to call when all others would say, "it's not worth it." Thanks for sharing the video Si. I wish Steve & you the best in finding the Mini's new owner! 🦊😊 Dudley

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Dudds! I’m not afraid of a bit of hard work in the name of histry 😉

[@dudley8671]

@@Sifinds I am the same way i.e. boiling water to thaw antique municipal Christmas decorations frozen in ice. Temperatures were -34°C (-30°F.) Or saving & hauling a 7 m (23 ft) cross from a razed church with 1.8 m (6 ft) of cargo space😆 It's in our blood LOL

[@lynetteswinburn5408]

This was SUCH a fun episode. I was shouting words of encouragement at the telly. I hope someone takes on this project.

[@Sifinds]

Thanks!

[@lazzyfare4721]

Best part of video for me is when Si says "we have to winch it more to the right and by we I mean me", lmao!

[@Sifinds]

😉

[@melaniek7577]

Simon, you have the patience of Job and a heart made of gold. It was a cute little car in it's day.

[@motaman8074]

This gave me flashbacks of cleaning up my Dad's old workshop! Btw, l cannot believe those wheels fit!

[@annettefournier9655]

Oh my. Idk Si. Looks like it would be easier to build one from scratch. 🤯

[@janicescragg2388]

My dad bought a dark blue Austin Mini in the 1970s. While I was too young my sister learned to drive in it. This was in Alberta Canada near Edmonton. Goes to show you what a small world this is. Thanks for the blast from the past.

[@Sifinds]

Our pleasure

[@aksnowberry]

After all your hard work I think Steve owes you several cold beers and a dinner of your choice. You are such a good person to help your friends, I think that's why I like you so much. Thank you for another great video! Can't wait to see you back on the foreshore finding fantastic treasures!! Stay safe my mudlover friend.

[@mrlister2000]

WBY991 - No record when it was last taxed, but a logbook was last issued 25th July 2005! 1.0L Austin Mini - First registered November 1959

[@br4d101]

WBY991 actually comes up as an Austin Seven on DVLA mot checker lol

[@williamturner7580]

@@br4d101 It would, that's what it is, an Austin 7 (sometimes written as SE7EN in early publicity material)

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Sad that it was still roadworthy in 2005 and was subsequently not cared for although back then they were still not that rated.Shows it correctly as 848cc ( not 1.0L ) as it would have been a much later engine.

[@shiveringsand]

@@Roger.Coleman1949 Road worth in 2005..? I'm doubtfull if that Mini has seen the road anytime since the 80's, to be honest. Theres no MOT records held for that number and the date of 2005 is for an application and subsequent issue of a V5 logbook and is no indication of being roadwothy. They really should have tried to latch the doors as theres no strength left in the shell due to it having no sills or floors. I learned to drive off road in a 1959 Austin Se7en during the early eighties and that example was also terminally rotten even then. The colour was Old English White and this one was originally Speedwell Blue and it will need re-shelling, but the identification and V5 exists on the DVLA computer which means the number is still active.. A restoration like Triggers Broom with just a few parts still of any use, maybe the glass and similar. Still an exciting prospect which has encouraged me to see if the one we learned to drive in might still exist in some shape or form on that farm still.. Have fun guys.!!

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

@@shiveringsand I think most restored Minis are all ' Triggers Broom ' !.Look at the Bangers & Cash ' 65 Surf Blue Cooper S that made £18,500 + premium and made this one look ' concours ' !.A very expensive engine and VIN plate plus a £10,500 + new shell.Difficult to argue what ' original ' means these days but I suspect most are not bothered as long as it has provenance to an original decomposed car with its credentials .What makes the Austin Seven de-luxe that I have just discovered so exciting is that after being entombed for nearly 50 years with just 9 years useage, against all odds it has survived virtually in new condtion with no rust in all the ' vulnerable ' places .

[@drunkdunc8738]

In Australia we'd call that a didgeridon't , nice work Si and Steve🍻

[@Sifinds]

Haha

[@peteredwards2318]

That Mini is even more knackered than the one that Bad Obsession Motorsport started doing up, back in the day. Good lord!

[@alien8r33d]

I'm no expert but it looks like they've had it to me. You're going to have to replace so much of the car that it'll be like Trigger's broom on Only Fools & Horses.

[@Catmoore60]

I’m picturing Si driving along with bondo bits dropping off along the way…

[@impunitythebagpuss]

Yep...no longer a Mini...but a BondoBuggy!

[@louisealjaradat5063]

Lol that episode with triggers broom !

[@IratePuffin]

I was thinking the same. You’d have to replace literally everything from the motor to the frame. By the time you finish it wouldn’t even still be the 1959 mini. It’d be a 2021 Mini replica car.

[@willjones7132]

They are rough, but if someones willing to pay they could be brought to like new condition, it's just incredibly expensive, look up Porsche 356 restorations, they take what looks like an almost unrecognizable pile of rust and bring them back to like new, or better. The techniques high-end restoration shops use are skilled labor intensive beyond belief, no bondo on these type of restorations, and no parts coming from your local parts store, there is a reason they are outrageously expensive.

[@bkitteh6295]

A fox! 🦊 A great pair of leaded glass doors, too! You guys probably don''t give those a second thought, but I love them. 💖 I also love barn finds (or in this case backyard finds); you guys hit the jackpot with little Triumphs & Austins! CONGRATULATIONS! EDIT: Steve - I don't think "patina" is too much of a stretch. 🤔 😂🤣

[@Zandain]

New adventures, of ol' boy dreams! 🤣 If that little Mini ever gets driving: 1. it'll be a miracle 2. it'll be a fun drive! May someone's pockets overflow! p.s. I learned how to drive in one of these, an orange one at that!! - hello from Denmark 🌸🌱

[@dianayoung2107]

My dad was a mechanical engineer, worked at American Bosch. I learned to drive (in 1970) in a 1949 Volvo and an old baby blue Mercedes Benz. Oh Lord, woncha buy me...

[@Sifinds]

Nice one Z!

[@Simonebardazzi]

Hey guys, there's huge tube guitar amplifier in the 2nd garage! it is viewable only from the back in the video, but it looks like an old Fender. It is really valuable. Take care of it please. And take care also of the speaker cab viewable in the same garage, it looks old, british and interesting. Maybe they are more valuable than the mini for collectors and guitar players like me....

[@Sifinds]

Hi mate. Yes the former owner was a great jazz musicians. The speakers were given good homes so I heard

[@Simonebardazzi]

@@Sifinds Thanks God! They looks rare and collectable!

[@willjones7132]

Cool to see you guys do something different but still in line with your regular subject matter, also cool to see someone who's not total car nuts doing something like this, good work, great vid! Those outbuildings with all that stuff is just how it goes if your into the projects more than the organization stuff, I've seen some great projects come out of spaces like that. The manifold with the specs cast into it is pretty cool.

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Will!!

[@llmifg]

You are no longer in, "the I owe" column Si. Great friends you have. Happy days when you are both old men...."Remember when you talked me into helping drag that Mini...."

[@jennywalborn7769]

That fox was great!😅let me just mosy on out and get out your way! Lol Different adventure but fun none the less!

[@patstats1]

That fox was a bit scrawny. His tail was like a rat’s. Hope it wasn’t rabid!

[@Sifinds]

@@patstats1 I think it had mange poor thing

[@patstats1]

@@Sifinds I saw one locally, looked the same. Yeah, probably mange. 😢

[@bonnerdebbie]

Different mud, different time line, but Si is a good friend comes thru loud and clear. BTW, I used to think my garage was a mess! Thanks Si.

[@suerobertson5132]

i loved my Mini.. many years ago... love from Australia oxoxoxoxoxoxox

[@arlenehohneker9053]

Seeing a vintage Cooper left to rot breaks my heart.

[@tonycox5625]

It's not a cooper!

[@arlenehohneker9053]

@@tonycox5625 not familiar with Austin line of automobiles. Didn't know they made other models.

[@nickb5391]

@@tonycox5625 correct it's an Austin Seven

[@nickb5391]

@@arlenehohneker9053 Austin started making cars in 1905 & many models were made from then on

[@caughtthefevermagnetfishin3992]

Si, your such a good friend, you've done all the hard work, I hope he buys you a beer...good job...👍😎😄

[@nygelmiller5293]

What an original programme! Much better than the rubbish on TV sometimes!

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Nygel 👍🏻🐾🧡

[@mmme9671]

Great interesting video. Laughed at the fox reaction. I actually saw a fox go by my front window today. I love Minis. When my parents got married in 1952, the priest made a joke about their last names, Austin and Morris. Lol. Good luck with the mini. What a great friend you are, and workout. Lol

[@Sifinds]

Hehe

[@lynneseaward1315]

Hey Si, well that was an unexpected video!😀 You worked your arse off and earned yourself a nice cuppa tea an’ a bun!😂 Well done! You and Steve get up to all sorts of mischief. I can’t wait to see what’s next. I really enjoyed it , thanks.

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Lynne. Expect the unexpected 😉

[@lilirehak5569]

Only the British would Never Ever Ever give up on that winch job. Well done.

[@wendyspicer8588]

My Father owned one just like this. It was the first family car. Watching this video brought back memories of the fun we had , that I had forgotten about.

[@cindyseverson9876]

Don’t know why I liked watching this, but I really did. You two are so funny!

[@Sifinds]

Thanks Cindy!

[@michelleavl4448]

Growing up my best friend had a mini. She called it "Baby" wherever we went people would stare. Locally everyone knew it was Maxine when they saw the car parked somewhere. Remember, these were the days of huge cars so the Austin was a very odd looking car. I don't remember ever seeing another one on Long Island.

[@impunitythebagpuss]

WooHoo..new SiFinds! Those cars are roached! It'll be a fortune to upcycle them! Lol So much for the tires on the VW.

[@Sifinds]

Haha. Speculate to accumulate 😉

[@susanmullen5105]

Loved this video 🚙 My Mum has a 1959 Austin 7 Mini...she bought it from one careful owner when she was 17....she's 70 now! It's still in perfect condition, & used to tow our caravan for family holidays (lightweight caravan though!). There's a 1960 Austin Mini on display in the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh too! Fab cars...can't wait to see the restoration!

[@jackiebeans2689]

A different adventure and very fun to watch!! Thanks!!💕😺😺😺

[@modesta6411]

Well Si that was a “different mud” adventure today. As a woman it gave me more anxiety watching the blunders being made. Probably new van tires are required on the van now after those uphill burnouts. Why were you doing all the hard work Si? Btw, thx for uploading your videos on a timely basis. We can always count on you & your consistency. Not all mudlarkers do that. 💕

[@Sifinds]

I’m fitter than Steve and I like getting stuck in

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Watching the efforts with the contractor van -- I thought of the movie "Jaws" -- "You're going to need a bigger boat (van)."

[@Sifinds]

Haha. Right!?

[@goodpeople5676]

Are your hands still aching Si ??? That's the best work no need to go to GYM . 🤣🤣🤣 Wow what a rescue ..... I love vintage cars ..... many people here have a good collection. I do photography of the vintage cars . Loved to see something different. Enjoy With Love from SAM Guwahati Assam INDIA

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Sam!!

[@taotina]

love how you 2 are such great friends.bet you sunk a few beers after that

[@steveshepherd2712]

Fox bit reminded me of episode of "Minder" where Arthur Daily is trapped in a shed full of coffins and stray dog that lives in there moves and freaks him out 😂

[@carolinewithers531]

I'd love to see the results of your efforts on that Mini!!

[@dinahjackson8146]

I'm a miniature... SOOOOO, I love just about mini anything !!!!! 😍😀😍

[@sisD]

Great job! ✨ Exciting to see what friends can accomplish together 💫

[@theajohnston761]

Aren’t they too gone to restore? Did Steve ever finish the VW Bug? Not only did y’all pull the old junkers out of their yard but they got free yard work too🤣😂

[@Sifinds]

It’s the VIN number that is worth the dosh

[@jamesmccluskey2923]

@@Sifinds i like your videos don't get me wrong but that comment is questionable also doing what you advised is possibly illegal as the vehicle you put it on would lose its identity

[@angelsone-five7912]

@@Sifinds The vin plate and a heritage body and off you go, crazy.

[@jamesbarran-scott437]

@@jamesmccluskey2923 it’s an interesting one, replacing the shell with a brand new heritage one means you can essentially build a whole new mini using all new parts and it’s all perfectly legal and above board with the dvla. you can do the same with an mgb and a series or defender. It’s obviously ringing if it’s a second hand shell or chassis you use…..although back in the day reshelling a rotten mini with a used shell was fairly common … but no one cared if it was correctly registered or not … possibly as minis weren’t worth anything like they are today

[@thosdot6497]

​@@Sifinds - well, no. Aside from seemingly suggesting that you could pass off a reshell as a 1959 Mini, the ones that are worth money are the original ones. And besides, the thing about a 1959 Mini is that it was ... built in 1959. The first year of production saw quite a lot of detail changes that'd be gone with any re-shelling.

[@wenDesigner]

Well at least you can find a damn screw when you need to put the bumper back on & pieces back together! 😜

[@christhompson4270]

It’s nice to see something restored, i can’t wait to see if or when it’s restored. Well done guys 👏👏👏👏👏👏🥰🥰

[@verdagarner5112]

That looks like a Rest In Peace mini great video

[@pattiwhite9575]

Really? That heap of rust is worth something? I can not believe it. When I graduated H.S. my parents bought me a 74 Austin Healy. It was great on the road but so cheaply made it just keep falling apart.

[@Sifinds]

Yes it is. Very rare year

[@geecars6263]

Probably a couple of thousand pounds worth the way it sits....or roughly enough to cover the cost of a new clutch for the van 😂

[@MrManBuzz]

@@geecars6263 What gives this Mini its value (and yes, its actually worth a fair bit) is the VIN. This shell isn't savable. What'll happen is a new heritage shell will be used on this Minis VIN, all perfectly legal too btw. A 1959 Mini is worth quite a bit.

[@geecars6263]

@@MrManBuzz I’m well aware of this, thanks…

[@thosdot6497]

@@MrManBuzz - the VIN is valuable when attached to the original car. It may be legal, but it won't be a 1959 Mini any more, not to any collector. And the shell will be incorrect in a number of pretty obvious ways too. The only way to have a 1959 Mini is to have a Mini that was actually built in 1959.

[@StillzWest87]

I see the V5 has recently been applied for. Be nice to see her back up and running. A hell of a lot of work, but she's a classic.

[@700ozz2]

How do you check this? Would be nice to be able to check this

[@StillzWest87]

@@700ozz2 just goggle reg check

[@700ozz2]

Done many reg checks before I’m guessing this is a paid for one

[@Car_and_classic_lover]

Good video 👍 You don't know how much I want to resue that mini. '59s are so rare now, and some may even go as far as to say that they are one of the most historicaly important cars of our time. I just hope that whoever buys that Mini does actually restore it and doesn't give up half way through.

[@Sifinds]

Email me

[@michelleeverett1535]

This was so entertaining and funny to watch!! Thanks guys 🤣🤣🤣🤪

[@BigLisaFan]

It's salvageable but restorable only if you have more money than brains. When you went to shift it, the rear of the body wasn't even attached to the frame. If it was Mini number one, perhaps, but sadly now a source of parts. Went to look at 4 WW II Willys MB jeeps way, way back with an ex-friend. All 4 for $800.00. They were just like that Mini, camouflaged. There wasn't enough left to even bothering to recover, no engines, stripped of nearly everything, frames rotted, what was there was rotted through with rust. Probably still there, only now far less metal and a lot more rust.

[@vanivor]

I totally agree

[@howard81]

Easily restorable, I’ve seen worse rebuilt. It’s a 1959, so worth the effort.

[@thosdot6497]

@@howard81 - don't be daft - it's not easily restorable, unless you consider reshelling to be the same as restoration. There's almost no major structural element that's actually whole.

[@howard81]

@@thosdot6497 It is being restored, the chap who bought it is in one of the Mini groups I frequent. As I said I’ve seen much worse cars restored.

[@howard81]

@@thosdot6497 I don’t know if links will work… facebook.com/groups/303024059849229/permalink/1927520694066216/

[@nancywarren608]

Wouldn't it have been easier to just pick it up and carry it out. Can't weigh too much with all the dust and missing parts. Lol

[@allisonbaylis95]

Wow. Great to watch. My mum used to work at Cowley, Oxford where the mini were made. She made the seats. Thankyou Si ❤️

[@robinkhan7468]

😅 There’s no Mud Lover without the mud. Indeed, that’s what real friends are for. That was a lot of work and smarts.💪🏼 Hope you’re riding some waves soon to new adventures.

[@sticklebacksummer]

It was like something out of only fools and horses. The bloke who sold it wasnt called Del boy by any chance?

[@adriannenash9852]

Trading the mud for moss, Si? Love any adventure you want to take us on! Love from Washington state USA

[@Sifinds]

Thanks so much Adrianne!

[@flyingscotsmanfan123roblox3]

What a beauty

[@joannhempen8210]

I’m on the binge watch. There aren’t many videos I haven’t watched. Hopefully I find a few! It’s a Si-Finds kind of night❤

[@Sifinds]

Enjoy Joann 👍🏻🐾🧡

[@allantardiff4188]

Can't believe that would be worth restoration it looks to far gone

[@neilbedford5082]

You'd be surprised - I have had and restored loads of Minis and this one is worth an absolute packet. A brand new Mk1 shell is now available and it would be well worth the cost of restoring it. 1959 Mini's are just about the most valuable of the lot - a very, very desirable car even in this appalling condition.

[@joan7823]

Soon as covid is over, I'm going back to pommy land...(I was born in Doncaster) I'm going mud larking ....

[@ladyjessiecoyne2617]

I really enjoyed seeing you all save that wee beauty from its rusty grave......I for one wouldn't mind see the other cars being saved... as always Si huge huggles from Scotland 🚗🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🚗🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🚗🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@robbierobson3251]

I did some digging (no pun intended!) on this car. It was first registered in Croydon on 20th November 1959, so genuinely a very early car. The registration number is still on the system, so it can retain it with no problems if it ever gets back on the road. It last had a V5 on 25th July 2005, so does not have the latest type, but this can still be used to register it to a new owner. Great candidate for a Heritage re-shell!

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Robbie!

[@1chish]

Exactly what i said earlier even @ £9,000. And its perfectly OK with DVLA so all original numbers are retained as long as its a Heritage shell and at least 2 out of 5 of the key parts are retained (like engine, gearbox, subframe etc).

[@robbierobson3251]

@@1chish Absolutely correct! People go mad for these very early cars, especially if they retain their original registration numbers. The value once re-shelled (the only practical option) would be very high, and would probably repay the considerable cost of restoration. This is not usually the case with cars in this state, but new entire bodyshells are not available for most classics. The combination of shell availability, plus the high value of early cars, makes this a worthwhile project, in my opinion.

[@Catmoore60]

How about fixing it with found materials…that should be interesting! Ps: poor little guy looked like it was grimacing as it was being winched up the ‘driveway.’

[@Spielmanjon]

Some of the parts that are not eaten up might be salvageable, but the car is sadly is beyond help. Once you start sand blasting it, there will be nothing left and your going to have to have the parts custom remade! Best bet, would be to buy a good one, as it would be cheaper to do that, than try to salvage this car! YOU COULD do it, but I think the price of the parts needed to make it functional and whole, probably out way the cost of resale. Everything from top to bottom, is going to be F%$#ed. Every bit, every bob, every bearing, and every part... If it was a famous car, Princess Diana drove it, or if it was Winston Churchill's everyday driver, or something like that, might make a difference. I hope I am wrong, and am very curios to see if you can prove me wrong on all counts!! Keep us up to date!! Great video, treasure is found everywhere!!

[@IratePuffin]

My thoughts exactly. You’d have to replace literally everything. It would be really expensive to find custom made parts and in the end it would no longer be the original car. More like a kit car. That said, I hope someone is nuts enough to give it a go!

[@Spielmanjon]

@@IratePuffin Agreed!

[@NOWThatsRichy]

@@IratePuffin For a complete restoration, there would be so little left of the Original produced car that it would almost be like a reproduction car, the engine might be able to be stripped & rebuilt, & the windows reused, but not much else!

[@aliencat11]

Si, you are a really good friend!

[@christinewilkinson3772]

Good thing you had the come along, and your digging talents sure came in handy!

[@Badger13x]

No need to worry I am sure you can buff that out and it will look like new.

[@Sifinds]

Haha!

[@nickb5391]

Actually the Austin 'Mini' was called a Seven until sometime in 1961/2

[@paulrobinson3528]

It changed in spring 62

[@nickb5391]

@@paulrobinson3528 Thanks for double clarifying that

[@paulrobinson3528]

@@nickb5391 No worries. I know this because i have a Autumn 62 and wished it was a Se7en lol but still love ny 62 that i have had for 33 years. Wanted to bye that 59 but missed it.

[@AmigaA-or2hj]

Some were called “Morris Mini Minor.”

[@paulrobinson3528]

@@AmigaA-or2hj yes that's right if it was the Morris version

[@bundaboy2974]

Really enjoyed it! Glad you didn’t give up!

[@debsmclaughlin6521]

Jeez I just bit all my nails off while watching that! You two reminded me of Delboy and Rodney! Lol. xx

[@stillliving5899]

That thing isn't even good enough for a parts car. You fellas sure put in the effort. If you want to see a 59 austin that came from the Barrett auction, hoovies garage paid 20,000 for a 1959 convertible. God bless.

[@spongebobsqueeze]

It would have been easier to get six or eight friends and pack it up the hill. Lol

[@pattylevasseur4041]

man that poor vehicle wouldnt even have enough metal for scrap.... you all have some serious high hope for this 1....good luck

[@elainedavies8485]

Well that was very different sort of treasure ! How exciting was that to find those hidden in all that undergrowth .The frustration of getting that mini up the hill ! Good for the pecs ! Be really interested to see the restoration projects on it later on ! Really interesting video , thanks for sharing .

[@Sifinds]

Thanks. Hopefully we will see it!

[@AuctionUp]

British Pickers!!!!

[@karenmutz1117]

I live in Texas. The thing that scares me the most about doin stuff like this is snakes. I am TERRIFIED of snakes so I don’t get in the brush for any reason.

[@Sifinds]

Luckily we don’t have very many where we are

[@IratePuffin]

Yeah same! I’m in Texas too and as you know, we’ve got to be super careful. I have snake boots for this very reason that I wear anytime I metal detect in places I have to walk through brush or the woods. I hate snakes too and used to be so afraid of them that I couldn’t even stomach watching them on TV. But a couple years ago I joined a Facebook group called “Southeast Texas Snake ID” and ever since the group helped educate me, instead of being afraid I now have a healthy respect for them. Used to think the only good snake was a dead snake but since learning how to properly ID them and which ones are harmless I don’t freak out as much. I had a ribbon snake in my garage a couple weeks ago. I wasn’t brave enough to pick him up to remove him but when a kind UPS driver came to my rescue he asked if I was against killing snakes and I surprised the hell out of myself by saying “well don’t kill it! It’s just a harmless ribbon snake!” Lol anyway, if you’re on Facebook you should check the group out. Lots of friendly and helpful people. Idk what part of Texas you’re from but they ID snakes from all over the US for people. Now that I know how to ID them it’s become a sort of game testing my knowledge with each new pic posted.

[@rodandthiabrown800]

WOW...that was HARD work!

[@almaxx9680]

NICE to See a nice pair of old Bangers 🤣🤣

[@chazzyb8660]

Is it still a restoration if all you have of the original is the engine plate? Oh, and the windscreen.

[@craigdawson1749]

That’s all you need to order a brand new body. Not sure if can get a 59 but a good panel basher should be capable of modifying a slightly later model’s slight differences with styling, I think around rear windscreen different shape etc!

[@therenewedpoet4292]

5 tons of cat litter and a road grader for the driveway

[@Sifinds]

Is there another line Mr Poet? 😉

[@therenewedpoet4292]

@@Sifinds Rewrite: The Old Pull and Tug The slippery slope slopped with slime and decay Spun the van's wheels all the day But an awful crawl inch by inch Brought the car up with Si's winch Next time bring 5 tons of cat litter and a road grader for the driveway. Cheers!

[@Sifinds]

@@therenewedpoet4292 very good. Haha. You can be the Poet laureate!

[@annescott2748]

Love that you found the license plate!

[@Oldbugssy]

Very challenging situation in the retrieval. You even got this crispy girl out in one piece!

[@Sifinds]

We did!

[@lsxtmt4910]

Did you put in neutral?Yard art at best.

[@Sifinds]

Haha

[@oges74]

3:17 Holy Toledo Batman! 😆 Some nice finds, some air in the tyres and a bit of a buff and they will be good to go 🚗😆

[@tonygiraldes7848]

This is exciting 😊 a new type of adventure for your channel 😊♥️

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Tony. I like to mix it up now and again

[@juliegale3863]

As a lady watching I have to admit I liked the fox in the garage best but I remember minis just like that and even partly learned to drive in one.

[@Sifinds]

Cool