There was East Albury’s Ron Franks, with his 1975 Morris Mini van, on display at the Australian Van Nationals in Mildura.

Lovingly restored, with a gleaming body in red and white, Mr Franks knew his van had the goods.

But really, what hope did it have, against the Sandmans, the Kombis, and bigger?

Obviously, a lot — his Mini took the prize for most original van, beating more than 80 others from across Australia.

“I thought how’s this little car going to go here against these big vans — and I mean big,” he said.”

But Mini vans are pretty rare on the roads and Mr Franks reckons that was in his favour.

He bought the car in Sydney two years ago and restored it with the help of panel beaters at Albury Dent Doctor.

Since he started showing it in October, it’s won eight trophies.

Mr Franks is a member of the Albury chapter of the Majestic Vanners, which also won best display and best attended group at the national competition, held over the Easter weekend.

His Mini will be on display again tomorrow at the V-Dubs in the Square show and shine at Albury’s Hovell Tree Park.