The Margrave Mini History website
ICONIC Wood & Pickett Margrave Elite, Reg number 11 KON
This original Park Royal built Wood & Pickett Margrave Elite was manufactured and first converted in late 1975 early 1976 complete with the rare (5 or 6 ever) Mercedes headlamp modification.
Latest research shows that Blenheim Motors, who procured cars for the television and film industry, confirm that they ordered a special Mini from Wood & Pickett with Mercedes headlamps plus other one-off additions for the famous stage and screen film actor, Richard Harris. The unusual specification also included a full size drinks bar in place of the rear seat with specially back mounted front seats for a tall chauffeur and tall front passenger!
Three years later the car went back to Wood & Pickett for alterations and modifications and was re-registered in 1979. The car went to sleep in 1986 for the next 37 years! Purchased in 2023 and restored to its former glory by the present owner, it was completed in 2025.
Wood & Pickett personalising specifications, Job Nos. 7061 and 9023:
- Modified front end complete with Mercedes headlamps.
- Removed four side body seams and rear roof-gutter to streamline body.
- Wood & Pickett steel wheel arches, filled and flared to body in colour to match car.
- Coachbuilders’ finelines and monograms.
- Smoke glass throughout including a laminated sundym windscreen.
- Webasto sunshine roof and wind deflector.
- World Radio roof aerial.
- Margrave Elite Burr Walnut facia panel with matching Smiths 4” speedo and tachometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, ammeter, clock and fuel gauge, fitted with chrome bezels. The layout includes ashtray, cigarette lighter, panel lights and full complement of switches.
- Original Blaupunkt Hamburg radio/cassette converted to Bluetooth.
- Porsche Idealsitz S Recaros with peanut headrests.
- ‘Margrave’ centre armrest with hinged lid to provide extra storage space.
- Burr Walnut trim cappings.
- Full Connolly leather upholstered interior.
- Electrically operated windows to both front doors complete with rare James Young swivelling quarter vents and centrally positioned control switches (Bosch).
- Moto-Lita steering wheel.
- Wood & Pickett wooden gear lever knob.
- Lucas 608 dipping rear view mirror.
- Armrests to both front doors.
- Tech Del Minilite wheels, inner rings and rods painted in colour to match car.
- Lockable Waso petrol filler caps.
- Security locks to both front doors, boot lid and glove box.
- Additional second fuel tank.
- 1300cc engine with manual gearbox.
