1968 Wolseley 1000

456 of these unique cars were built in South Africa with 16 known to survive.  It was considered the luxury Mini with features such as a padded dashboard cover, thick carpets and carpet in the boot. The heater however was still an extra in the early cars! The ride is also pleasant having the hydrolastic (or water) suspension. The engine is the standard 1998, with the magic wand gearbox. It has the rare vent window doors.

This car nicknamed E.G., was restored in South Africa in the late 90s by the President of the South African Mini club. It was taken on safari before being imported to the United States.

The new American owner shipped it to Miami, Florida and then promptly drove it home to Seattle, a journey of 6,174 miles. More elephants were encountered on the way.

A regular winner at Mini Meets, it was taken for another long drive in 2004 from Seattle to Chicago and back.

I purchased this W1000 shortly after that in Seattle and moved it with me to Colorado near Castle Rock.

Its in semi-retirement now, with no recent long multi-state drives. It did make it up Pikes Peak back in 2006 though.