A truly unique vehicle is heading to auction: a one-off Mini pickup truck. This bespoke creation, built in the UK by a specialist known for Ford GT40 replicas, is powered by a substantial Ford-sourced 5.0-liter V8 engine.
This isn’t simply an Austin Mini pickup; it’s a custom-built machine with a hand-built chassis and rear-wheel drive. The estimated output of the Ford engine is around 300 horsepower. While its size might be small, its potential impact on driving experiences is considerable. The auction is scheduled for later this month, where this intriguing vehicle could fetch between £30,000 (~$38,800) and £35,000 (~$45,200).
The company behind this singular build is GT Developments, a British brand renowned for crafting Ford GT40 replicas in the late 1990s. They constructed this Mini pickup in 1994 to showcase their engineering capabilities. Iconic Auctioneers has been tasked with managing the sale.
Underpinning this quirky vehicle is the same hand-built chassis GT Developments utilized for its GT40 replicas. The body of a Mini Estate was adapted, with the rear portion significantly altered to create the pickup bed. Instead of storage space, this bed houses the engine, making this Mini a mid-engined marvel.
The engine is a Ford 5.0-liter V8, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. Power is directed to the rear wheels, delivering approximately 300 hp. The exact weight of the vehicle is unknown, but it’s likely to be very light, promising an exhilarating driving experience, likely unlike any new Ram 1500 TRX.
The auction house notes that the Mini has been upgraded with coilovers and enhanced brakes. The interior is minimalist, featuring a half-roll cage, racing harnesses, two black seats, and a straightforward alloy dashboard. The shifter is positioned on the driver’s side sill, with exposed linkage directly connected to the rear of the car.
If this striking creation sparks your interest, it will be available at auction on Saturday, March 22nd. You can place your bid [here](URL not provided).
