Press kit
Press kit: Story, photos and video of the Dakar Mini. Free for editorial use with credit.
01Story
Love at first sight.
Love at first sight.
Pink?!
It may not be the colour that comes to mind when you think of a "classic commercial van". This beauty, however, is totally up to the tasks at hand. With her Stage 1 tune, disc brakes, KAD shifter, Aluminium Cooper 'S' rims and MOMO steering wheel in hand, she drives astonishingly well! The wooden-floored rear gives enough room to move your 1/4 ton load with an impressive capacity of 1.64 m² (passenger seat included ;)
Flamingo is an original Dutch delivered Mini Van by 'Van Vliet' in Rotterdam. She then also still wears her first registration papers proudly on her windscreen. Originally delivered as a white van, she spent her early working days serving the local markets as reliable transport. In June 91', Marius bought this little fella and had her completely repainted inside and out, after which she disappeared into silence for many years…. It wasn't until 2022 that she got out again with some major upgrades to make a proper return to the road in 24' and 25'.
Flamingo is an original Dutch delivered Mini Van by 'Van Vliet' in Rotterdam. She then also still wears her first registration papers proudly on her windscreen. Originally delivered as a white van, she spent her early working days serving the local markets as reliable transport. In June 91', Marius bought this little fella and had her completely repainted inside and out, after which she disappeared into silence for many years…. It wasn't until 2022 that she got out again with some major upgrades to make a proper return to the road in 24' and 25'.
The Mini Van was essentially a small, no-nonsense workhorse at the time, built purely for getting the job done. It was designed to carry tools, goods, and supplies, and in doing so it was incredibly efficient.
The reason Mini Vans have MK1 doors, and a very simple front end with no real grille, is because they were completely stripped of any unnecessary comforts and focused purely on practicality. An easy, lightweight vehicle with a flat load floor that was reliable and cheap to run. The smallest car for the hardest jobs.
The Mini Van was essentially a small, no-nonsense workhorse at the time, built purely for getting the job done. It was designed to carry tools, goods, and supplies, and in doing so it was incredibly efficient.
The reason Mini Vans have MK1 doors, and a very simple front end with no real grille, is because they were completely stripped of any unnecessary comforts and focused purely on practicality. An easy, lightweight vehicle with a flat load floor that was reliable and cheap to run. The smallest car for the hardest jobs.
But this ain't no standard Mini Van anymore. A handmade wooden flooring, retractable seat belts, a wooden MOMO steering wheel, and the three-clock oval dash have all been added later on. In the doors, we find newly made leather door cards from Newton Commercial, while the flooring is fully sound-deadened, as well as the bulkhead and the bonnet.
To finish it off, a new brown carpet has been fitted both in front of and behind the seats. On the right side of the dashboard, there is a Marshall Bluetooth speaker that automatically charges, ensuring you always have access to good music on the go.
But this ain't no standard Mini Van anymore. A handmade wooden flooring, retractable seat belts, a wooden MOMO steering wheel, and the three-clock oval dash have all been added later on. In the doors, we find newly made leather door cards from Newton Commercial, while the flooring is fully sound-deadened, as well as the bulkhead and the bonnet.
To finish it off, a new brown carpet has been fitted both in front of and behind the seats. On the right side of the dashboard, there is a Marshall Bluetooth speaker that automatically charges, ensuring you always have access to good music on the go.
Underneath the bonnet we find a reliable 998cc with a 4-speed manual fitted. The Stage 1 setup delivers her a lot of oomph while still running smoothly.
Recent maintenance ensures this A+ is in form, with a renewed cooling system (EVO pump, hoses, heater matrix and external radiator) she’s ever cool. The ignition system is modernised with electronic ignition, low resistance leads and a performance coil.
The cylinder head is revised for unleaded fuel only. On the back sits an aluminium intake manifold with a tuned HS4 carb and performance filter, the exhaust is fully upgraded aswell.
On the front we find new 10" disk brake assemblies with ball joints and and brake lines. at the rear she's fitted with wider drums and matching studs. All four corners benefit from adjustable GAZ shock absorbers.
Underneath the bonnet we find a reliable 998cc with a 4-speed manual fitted. The Stage 1 setup delivers her a lot of oomph while still running smoothly.
Recent maintenance ensures this A+ is in form, with a renewed cooling system (EVO pump, hoses, heater matrix and external radiator) she’s ever cool. The ignition system is modernised with electronic ignition, low resistance leads and a performance coil.
The cylinder head is revised for unleaded fuel only. On the back sits an aluminium intake manifold with a tuned HS4 carb and performance filter, the exhaust is fully upgraded aswell.
On the front we find new 10" disk brake assemblies with ball joints and and brake lines. at the rear she's fitted with wider drums and matching studs. All four corners benefit from adjustable GAZ shock absorbers.
02Photos
Photography by Noël van Bilsen (@noelvanbilsen) · Please credit Brooks Motors / Noël van Bilsen