The AA began using Minivans in 1962, and by 1965 they were the standard issue patrol vehicle
If the Mini saloon could be said to have revolutionised the family car market when it arrived in 1959, the van – launched in 1960 – eventually did the same for the AA.
The AA began using Minivans in 1962, and by 1965 they were the standard issue patrol vehicle, finally killing off the AA's motorcycle combinations. Minis were used in their thousands until the early 1970s, but genuine ex-AA Minivans are now extremely rare.
This particular example was first registered in March 1963, and is powered by the ubiquitous 850cc A-series engine.
It is one of a huge batch of consecutively-registered Minivans which appeared in a publicity film, being driven in convoy past AA and Austin top brass at the Longbridge factory prior to delivery.
200 FGN
200 FGN was used as a patrol vehicle in the Midlands until retirement, when it was put into storage.
In 1984 the Mini was fully restored to roadworthy condition, and it remained driveable until the late 1990s, when it was put on display with other AA vehicles at the Milestones Museum in Basingstoke.
It has since been restored again by Bristol patrols Steve Neath and Nick Kirman and is used regularly at shows around the country.
850cc A-series engine
In 2006 this Mini completed a charity run from John O'Groats to Lands' End, raising nearly £25,000 for children's charities.
In 2007 it took part in a charity run from Trafalgar Square to Red Square, going through 7 countries, raising over £28,000 for BEN, the automotive industry charity.
(13 August 2012)
