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Mini Wildgoose: Mini's Motorhome in the 60s

MINI WILDGOOSE PHOTOS: MINI / WILDGOOSE

Some days ago we interview Jorge Sierra for his trip around the world in 2CV. He told us that Naranjito was still with him, but parked in a garage waiting for future adventures. For the moment he prefers to move in a Mini Countryman with AirTop. This is how we saw it in the series Surfing Sofas of RTVE. However, although seeing a tent on top of a Mini may seem surprising ... The idea comes from the 60s.

Well, a much more complete idea actually. And, unlike the current model with AirTop, the classic Wildgoose from 1963 it has space for four people, a kitchen, a table… all embedded on the chassis of an Austin Mini! Another proof of the versatility of a model that, depending on the preparation, served you to sweep the Rallye Monte-Carlo or take the family on vacation.

From Mini Wildgoose only about 11 or 12 units are preserved. In fact the last time one was put up for sale was in 2014. So if you like the idea ... You will have to make a replica or something similar with another classic. But little by little. While someone is encouraged to do so, we will learn about their history.

A “WILD GOOSE” FOR PENSIONISTS

In 1959 British Motor Company launched the Mini. With a small size but surprising habitability, this compact turned the British automotive industry upside down. Add to that some devilish dynamics… We have the perfect base to develop a popular racing car. But nevertheless, not everyone had the sporting mind of the Cooper family.

Far from dedicating himself to competition, Wildgoose considered adapting the Mini to the leisure plans of "Pensioners freed from work, eager for a carefree life". And boy, did this little Worthing body shop hit the spot.

If you have been to the Andalusian coast in summer, you will have seen the number of motorhomes with English retirees roaming freely. Well, this hobby comes from afar, so when Wildgoose decided to make caravans from a Mini ... It was not bad, about 60 orders between 1963 and 1968.

They began by offering three different types of bodywork, to which was then added the possibility of buying it all done without having to bring your own Mini first. In general all versions equipped gas cooker, sink and a double bed housed in the lifting roof with electric opening. In addition, its interior is full of folding tables and seats. And that's not to mention the spaces for luggage ... Come on, everything you need to host a couple on vacation.

MINI WILDGOOSE: TRAVELING SO COMFORTABLE

On the weight we have not found exact data, but taking into account that it mounts a motor of 4 cylinders with 850cc and 34CV… The safest thing is that reaching the advertised maximum of 112 km / h will be an adventure. The data that speak of good ride comfort at 80 km / h seem safer to us. Although… Is there a reason to be in a hurry when driving a motorhome?

Here the important thing is comfort. Concept that could be improved if you purchased your Mini Wildgoose with extras such as better insulation or extendable side mirrors. Also, if you wanted to receive guests ... You only had to purchase two hammocks offered by Wildgoose herself. These could be installed in the lower part of the cabin once the pop-up roof with the double bed had been deployed.

Whether you are a fan of Mini or motorhomes, it is impossible not to be drawn to the peculiar history of the Wildgoose. A classic as ingenious as it is strange of which we have not found any unit for sale. That makes us think ... Can you do something similar with a Panda 4 × 4?

What do you think?

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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