Safari Stimson Six – Barry Stimson 1972

Design developments. Development workshop. Westbourne, Emsworth.

It looks a bit like an unlikely marriage between a Renault R12, a Citroën Méhari and a Poncin VP 2000… In summary, it is really beautiful and we really regret that it is no longer made…

The Safari Stimson Six is ​​a Mini six-wheel pickup truck designed by Barry Stimson. It was introduced to the British market in 1972, it was offered for sale by Design Developments to 800 £. This price included a hood covering the entire vehicle from the rear to the windshield, with a side zippered screen that served as the driver's door.
It was also available without engine or gearbox with 600 £ and also sold as a kit from 270 £, according to its level of finishes.

Safari Six had been in production for about a year before Design Developments went into receivership in 1974, after producing approximately 20 Car.

Construction
The vehicle's fiberglass body is mounted on a tubular steel chassis.
the Stimson Safari Six is ​​built to a very high specification and finish standard, and uses the proven range of BLMC Mini transverse equipment.
Standard equipment includes special chrome wheels of 6 inches wide, Rally type seats, stainless steel bumpers and handles, a leather steering wheel, oil and water gauges, seat belts, stone guards, mud flaps and a wide body line, A folding rear seat.

Technique
The Safari Six front-wheel drive is powered by an Austin Mini engine from 848 cm³ mounted on a Mini chassis. Six-wheel braking. Excellent load capacity. Independent rear suspension with four independent wheels, ensuring good load distribution on the ground and very comfortable driving.

Subsequent developments
Safari Six Rights Acquired by Automotive Services, who planned to convert the car for use with a Ford Fiesta or Peugeot engine and relaunch it under the name of Shikara, but it never happened.

Photo on the occasion of 25 years of the Mini with only customizations and an unknown light green mini !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amlWdA7pfrQ

A competition version !