Ogles in Japan (5)

This bright tangerine coloured Ogle SX1000 wears chassis number #36 and was registered 'XSK 195' in the UK. The car was imported to Japan by Tetsuo Warashina in 1991, who ran Warashina Cars of Yaizu-shi in Shizuoka at the time. This company had an impressive collection of Mini based cars - apart from the Ogle there were several Mini Jems and Mini Marcoses as well as a Unipower GT. All of these were offered for sale in 1992 and I don't know if Warashina is still in business but do know that several of the cars are still being enjoyed in Japan, the SX1000 among them. 

The car was featured in a number of publications before being sold to another Mini specialist in Japan: Sophie’s of Hachinohe in 1997. The current owner told me recently that the SX1000 has never been extensively restored or repainted since it came to the country in '91. He says it is a bit tatty now, but is well maintained and roadworthy. I really like it.

More about Ogles in Japan here.

'XSK 195' as it was seen in Japan in 1994. It featured in a number of magazines

Picture Jeroen Booij archive

It was part of a broad collection of Mini based cars when at Warashina's in Shizuoka

Picture Jeroen Booij archive

Engine is said to be a 1275. Brake booster well visible here

Picture Jeroen Booij archive

1992 ad from Warashina cars shows eclectic range of cars offered for sale

Picture Jeroen Booij archive

Today the Ogle can be found in Sophie's Mini shop in Hachinohe for over 25 years 

Picture Jeroen Booij archive

"A bit tatty now, but well maintained and roadworthy" says its current owner

Picture Jeroen Booij archive