British Motor Heritage (BMH) has confirmed the production of a full replacement shell for the Mk1 Mini - the Holy Grail for enthusiasts.

BMH has been at the forefront of suppling individual panels for all marks of classic Minis, and complete bodyshells for models from 1976 onwards. However a full replacement shell for the MK1 has always been missing.

Mini enthusiasts were given a glimpse of what was to come on BMH’s stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show last November, and the response was ‘universally positive’. The first production batch of 15 bodies will therefore commence in April, with deliveries occurring through May and June.

The early body is markedly different from its later counterparts. The major variances include a smaller door aperture with different step profiles; sliding window doors with external hinges; rear window; rear side windows; rear light mountings. Other differences include the ‘A’ panels and hinge reinforcements; floors; sills; front and rear parcel shelves; switch panel; boot panel, bonnet and inner valences; front valance and number plate mounting.

Since creating the prototype body, BMH has commissioned additional tooling to refine the finish and improve the build quality. The company also says it is indebted to M-Machine for allowing it to use their MK 1 floors and sills, as the cost of retooling these items would have made the project unviable.

BMH has also used the later front bulkhead crossmember assembly as retooling for this non-visual part would have been prohibitive, and opted not to form the rotodip hole in the rear seat squab; recognising that a significant element of demand for the new shells will almost certainly be for historic motorsport.

The launch price is £9,950 inc. VAT and the company is accepting orders accompanied by a 25 percent deposit.