1962 Austin Mini Countryman

This car is a Mini. It was first sold in April 1959 and quickly became very popular. At the time, there was a petrol shortage, so people wanted small cars that didn’t use much fuel. The Mini was perfect for that.

It was designed by Alec Issigonis, who came up with a clever new layout. He put the engine across the front of the car and made it drive with the front wheels. That saved space, so the Mini could be small on the outside but still have room for four people inside. It changed how small cars were made — and that idea is still used today.

In 1960, they released two special versions: the Austin Countryman and the Morris Traveller. These were like little wagons. They had extra room in the back, barn-style doors, and wooden trim on the rear — not just for looks, but to give it a classic, country feel. People often call these models the “woodies.”

The Countryman was about 25cm longer than the regular Mini and weighed about 50kg more, but the engine and mechanics were the same as other Mini models.

The one on display is painted Almond Green with matching green trim inside. It was originally sold by Saunders Limited in Hereford, England. Since 1994, it’s been looked after by the same family, which makes it a well-loved and nicely kept example of this rare model.