SOLD - 1978 CUSTOM TURBO MINIVAN
Turbo Mini Forums

EDIT: 16 July 2012

Well, it's gone and I'm officially now Miniless.

After entering it into the Charterhouse Auction at 'Classics in the Castle' at Sherborne, it went to a well known chap who runs an exclusive prestige sports and classic car business in Sandbanks, near Poole. A very fitting place for what has got to be my best creation.

The guy who bought it wants to keep it in his collection of vehicular exotica so I doubt we'll see it on the road very much. I know he'll give it the care and TLC it deserves and it'll be used to pull the crowds into his showroom with the odd blast now and again no doubt.

Sad day but in the end it's only a car and I got a very good price.

End of an era but I'll still be on here pestering a few of you now and again.

Cheers guys.

Richard.

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Hi guys.

Well, with everything now well and truly sorted and set up by Neil Slark a couple of weeks ago, and with the imminent sale of my Mothers house where I have all my workshop facilities, the time has come to reluctantly sell what I can only describe as the best thing I've ever had a hand in creating.

The van has been an epic journey and I've learnt so much in the process and had so much fun driving it. I'm just hoping that the new owner will take as much care and attention over it as I have during what seems like an eternity; 10 years to build, hitting the road in June 2008, and still with only 2,630 miles on the clock.

Rather than go through the detail here, it's probably easier to click on a link to the advert I've placed on the Pistonheads website, updated with new pics 16 Aug 11 :

Reference #2943501

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2943501.htm

I'd consider serious offers over £12,000.

Certainly not the cheapest Turbo Mini you'll find but with 10 concours wins from 10 entries and as the cover car on the October 2008 issue of Mini Magazine, I'd like to think it's pretty unequalled in terms of build quality, parts used and modifications made.

This car has the lot and is painstakingly detailed in every respect.

And yet despite the modifications, she will quite happily cruise at 80 mph on the motorway or take you to the shops and back for your fish and chips.

It's a pleasure to drive in every respect, effectively being better than NEW.

It's taxed until Jan 12 and tested until Apr 12.

The Pistonhead advert above provides much more detail, and also a link to a video of the van at the TM Rolling Road Day last year but if you're after even more info, or wish to come see it in the flesh, please feel free to get in touch.

Email: richard.bolwell@btinternet.com

Mobile: +44 (0) 7719714999

Many thanks.

Richard.

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Edited by turbominivanman on 16th Jul, 2012.

Minivanless, but reluctantly happy living with the decision. There'll be another one day.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=minimadmotorman#p/u

its a shame that you are selling,

good luck with the sale richard. this is a special car :) i must say though, the pictures dont do it justice at all. it looks 10x times better in the flesh

I am with Jamz never seen a picture thats done this car justice

I hope this gos well for you mate, this is one smart van.

I have started posting on Instagram also my name on there is turbomk1golf

Nothing is impossible it just costs more and takes longer.

il look after it and you can use my workshop!
deal?

Shame to see you selling up, it is the best van have ever seen
It's a nice write up for the ad and should bring some buyers in who will care for it nearly as much as you have
Good luck with the sale bud

Jack Jones

i remember you saying this day would come, i hope it goes well and to a good home
good luck with the sale

edit: fantastic spec very well thought out advert 8-)

Edited by Brett on 19th Jun, 2011.

Yes i moved to the darkside

Instagram @jdm_brett

thats an amazing van, wish i was rich!

one day boost will be mine!

hi rich

sorry to see that your selling it, hope fully the pictures do all the talking.

good luck with the sale, and i hope you create something just as good in the future!

eden

13.95 1/4 mile on a 2.95 fd. Carnt be that hard to beat!

Thanks for all your support and comments guys. Means alot. Cheers.

It's breaking my heart to let her go but as I'm nearing the end of this relationship, another is just starting again with my motorbiking after a gap of nearly 23 years.

The help I've received from you guys on TM over the last few years has been inspirational. Hopefully I'll be around for a few years yet. There's bound to be something in the future for me to sink my teeth into again !



Richard.

Minivanless, but reluctantly happy living with the decision. There'll be another one day.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=minimadmotorman#p/u

good luck with the sale richard, worth the money you are asking!

That looks like a very nice place to be sat in the drivers seat, good luck with the sale fella :)

I can't believe you de-seemed the fuel tank!

Minivanless, but reluctantly happy living with the decision. There'll be another one day.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=minimadmotorman#p/u

Just reduced the price by £1000.

Adverts are also going into MiniMag and MiniWorld this week.

I'll be at MITP on August 14th where the van will be For Sale in the 'Cars For Sale' area in case anyone wants to inspect or come for a chat.

See you there.

Richard.

Minivanless, but reluctantly happy living with the decision. There'll be another one day.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=minimadmotorman#p/u

Good luck with the sale. Always a problem with custom cars / restored cars is selling them. Is breaking your heart when they drive away.

I just couldn't sell it if it were mine. Saying that if I have the money - it would be mine!!!!

Stunning car, probably the best mini van of all time ever.

thats a great car and saddend you are selling, hope it goes to a good home

had any luck with the sale yet rich?

13.95 1/4 mile on a 2.95 fd. Carnt be that hard to beat!

Not yet Eden. Early days but willing to haggle.

Rich.

Minivanless, but reluctantly happy living with the decision. There'll be another one day.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=minimadmotorman#p/u

haha id love to but im struggling to buy a new head.

13.95 1/4 mile on a 2.95 fd. Carnt be that hard to beat!

i'll swop you my 106 for it

Hi guys.

Twas good to see a few familiar TM faces at Mini in the Park last Sunday.

Not much interest in the van on Sunday so I've compared with other Minis for sale on Pistonheads and decided to drop my asking price by a further £1,645.

Thanks for looking.

Richard.

Minivanless, but reluctantly happy living with the decision. There'll be another one day.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=minimadmotorman#p/u

Saw this in the flesh on Sunday and canconfirm that pics really do not show how fantastic this Van is. The attention to detail is incredible.

Best of luck with the sale!

In the 13's at last!.. Just