1959 Series II built to compete in the 1971 Hillrallies

Chassis number: 141901474

Registration number: VAA 999

Engine type: 2.25 Petrol

Gearbox type: 4 Speed

Vehicle spec:

This vehicle was a standard Bronze Green Soft-top with the registration VAA 123 when it was acquired by Brian Bashall in 1970. Brian converted it to an off-road competition vehicle that he would enter in the inaugural Hillrallies in 1971.

The work included fitting a bespoke square-section roll cage, heavy duty springs and dampers, axle cases, seat belts, multiple washer jets, engine waterproofing, stops to locate the Elephant Hide sprung seats into place, single wiper switch, large Hella horns, 600.16 knobbly tyres and a repaint into Old English White and Westminster Blue. Brian and his business partner, Frank Smith, drove it in the first Hillrally, and Frank and his wife drove it in the second event.

In the mid-1970s the roll cage was removed, and the vehicle was rebuilt as a blue Hard-top to become Brian’s daily driver, before eventually being sold. It was rediscovered for sale on eBay by a paragliding school in Lincolnshire, and Brian’s son Philip was able to buy it and bring it back into the family.

It has since been rebuilt the same specification it had when it competed in the 1971 Hillrallies. Its original registration number was sold by a previous owner, so we acquired VAA 999 as a replacement.