Original 'Dutch demonstrator' Biota found

When I found out recently that the missing first Biota imported to The Netherlands in 1971 resurfaced, I was very eager to see it. The car had been long lost and I soon learned that its second owner, who had it since 1984, had passed away. I decided to drive over to the place where it was and took my trailer with me - just in case! 

What I found was an incredibly original car which had hardly been touched for ages. It does need full recommissioning but is fully complete and has hardly changed from the day when it was new. Dutch Biota-owners Peter and Jos Niessen knew more about the car and sent me a lovely set of original publicity pictures, showing the very car when it was just finished. There's more paperwork with it as well as boxes full of spare parts. The Dutch registration papers are in my name now, too, so this certainly is a worthy project. 

I really fell in love with this little orange fellow, but already have my hands full on the Le Mans Mini Marcos, so I'm not sure yet if I am the right person to keep it and put it back on the road. Please let me know if you are interested in this great car and who knows we may come to an agreement...

UPDATE 16 November: More on the car's history here in part 1

The first Biota to be imported to The Netherlands has now resurfaced and it is incredibly original

Picture Jeroen Booij

The car has had one owner since 1984, who passed away earlier this year

Picture Jeroen Booij

The original registration is now in my name, too. I am the third owner since new in 1971

Picture Jeroen Booij

A restoration was once started but never finished. The car has always been dry stored

Picture Jeroen Booij

Bonnet is very easy to take off and simplifies work on the mechanicals considerably

Rear has been damaged at one point but was restored properly, needing only a respray

Picture Jeroen Booij

Originally the car came with a Cooper 1000 engine, but it has been replaced with 1100 at one stage

Picture Jeroen Booij

Original Mamba wheels and rear suspension have been fully refurbished yet. Unused Avon tyres haven't been available for ages though

Picture Jeroen Booij

Interior comes with Biota's signature 'clam seats' and cast alloy steering wheel boss

Picture Jeroen Booij

Houghton Coldwell chassis plate indicates it is the 15th Biota built. 'L' for left hand drive

Picture Jeroen Booij

Badges are slightly battered but still there. Several Biota's miss them and you won't find these

Picture Jeroen Booij