1962 Austin Mini Countryman Red wagon is timeless classic
The Radio Flyer toy company was started in 1917 in downtown Chicago by Italian immigrant Antonio Pasin. The company is best known for producing the iconic red wagon loved and enjoyed by countless generations of children.
Starting off in a simple one-room workshop, young Pasin created his four-wheeled plaything from a basic construction of metal and wood, resulting in an affordable toy still in production today. A bit larger red wagon, owned by Arnie and Lena Press, isn't being made any longer but still manages to produce huge childish grins on the couple's faces whenever they climb inside their classic 1962 Austin Mini Countryman.
The Vernon Hills residents purchased the pint-size projectile 20 years ago after stumbling upon it in rural Batavia, where it sat dormant and unused. Whereas most kids pile stuffed animals and action figures into their wagons, the youngsters-at-heart had very specific plans for all that unused cargo space behind its rear barn doors.
“I envisioned this project as a support vehicle for my race-prepped '65 Mini Cooper. I thought it would be an awesome and unique way to store additional wheels, tires and all the gear that I need for track days,” Arnie Press said.
Of course, all that free time the Countryman spent loafing was not kind to the tiny tourer. Before it could be driven anywhere, major overhauling was in order. Similar to Pasin's start, Arnie set up shop in his garage and got to work, disassembling the entire thing.
The original 34 horsepower, 850cc engine (dwarfed by most motorcycle powerplants) was yanked out and given a more respectable 1275 cc of petrol-pumping power. Sportier trim-level ‘S' cylinder heads were bolted on with Maniflow headers hanging off the side, a more aggressive camshaft was slid in and a two-core racing radiator was dropped into place.
A modified exhaust rounds out the performance upgrades with total output now at a much-improved 80 horses.
Bringing all those petite ponies to a halt are front disc brakes — Press tossed the original underwhelming drums and hung wider shoes on the rear. A host of new components were thrown at the suspension and competition Minilite wheels wrapped in Yokohama rubber were installed at the corners.
“When it came to the drivetrain and handling, I set out to create the strongest street car that I could possibly make while still maintaining reliability — something that can be driven anywhere,” he said.
Swapping cold steel for splinters, Press pulled off all the exterior ash trim and just as you would refurbish a kitchen cabinet, stripped, bleached, sanded and stained the wood pieces. Once dry, they were mounted back on the newly painted, fire engine red body, although Press insists the color's name should be derived from another public servant.
“I prefer to call the glossy color ‘Arrest-Me-Red' since it seems to be the favorite color the police look for while on the road.”
The tree-themed treatment was carried over to the interior where burl walnut now resides on the dash, nicely accenting the exterior lumber.
With a three-year build time, this Countryman sure took a lot longer to come together than those stamped steel Radio Flyers. But Press, vice president of the Chicago Mini Motoring Club, and his wife don't seem to mind. The couple, enjoying what that toy-maker discovered so long ago, has found that when it comes to getting around and stirring the imagination, nothing beats a small, simple red wagon.
“To sum it up,” Press said, “it's a street legal go-kart with a huge fun factor!”