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New member introduction - MiniMann

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MiniMann

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I grew up with my family owning a British Leyland dealership - selling Austin, MG, Triumph until 1980. I drove a Mini (my first one - a 1971) as soon as I got my license. I bought my last Mini in 1982 (a 1979 Mini 1000) and drove it daily until my second child arrived in 1992. I still have that car - it's currently undergoing its first body job.
In the summer, I occasionally drive my 75 MGB, but this summer, I'm promising myself that I'll drive it almost daily. However, I can't wait until my Mini is back on the road.
I also have a 67 Austin 1100 automatic. It's more of a project - I'm not sure what the future holds for it.
Anyway - that's me and my cars!
 
Welcome aboard! You in Canada were so fortunate to have the Minis imported long after our regs kept them out. I'm guessing the Austin 1100 may have been the same as the MG1100 of the same era??? MG had -futuristic then- the novelty of a transverse engine/front drive.
 
Welcome MiniMann!

Got any old pictures of the dealership and/or the cars?

It's always fun to see pictures of these cars when they were new.
 
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Yes MiniMann, pictures would be good!
Where was the dealership? My uncle sold cars in London for Leavens when they handled British-Leyland.
I'm only about 1 1/2 hours east of you near London (Tillsonburg) and travel your way to go to Pelee Island
Welcome to the forum, by the way, and enjoy your stay.
Lots of info and stories here. A great comraderie exists and very helpful people.
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Dave
 
I remember Leavens in London quite well.
I'm in Wallaceburg - our dealership was Mann's Garage. My great grandfather Sam Mann started it as a Livery Stable - renting out custom horse-drawn carriages for weddings as funerals. My grandfather serviced the first car in town, which was in the very early 1900's, and eventually the business switched to cars. We sold Plymouth in the early 20's, then Studebaker, then Hudson's, then in 1953 we started selling Austins. We were a British Leyland dealer until we sold the last Mini is 1980. I worked there until 1984, and then I became a "computer guy".
Yes, I have lots of good memories growing up, going to the Garage after school to clean the new cars and dream about driving them.
 
This sign is still in Orillia, Ontario (or at least was about five years ago, I'm out west now of course)

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The business at the time still did repairs on British cars, although didn't appear very active.
 
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