Marque: Mini - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Mini
The Mini came to be the greatest car ever made more by accident than design throughout its 41 year life. Born out of necessity from a austere post war Britain suffering badly from the Suez crisis of 1956, cheap. Economical transportation was the Mini’s chief priority when introduced in 1959. And yet 50 years on it’s better known for its classless appeal, cheeky image, fun driving a chequered…
Austin Mini Countryman/Morris Mini Traveller
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1960-1969 - Engine:
848 cc S4 OHV 34bhp @5500 rpm - 0-60 mph:
30 Secs
- Top Speed:
70 mph - MPG:
41 mpg
Once ubiquitous on British roads, the incredibly attractive and versatile Mini estate is now a very rare sight. Introduced in 1960 the estate version was built on a longer wheelbase, which it shared with the Mini van and pick-up. As with the saloons the estate came badged as either the Austin Seven Countryman or the Morris Mini Minor Traveller but both versions were identical apart from the badges and grille. After 1962 the Austin model was Mini-badged and the floor mounted starter button was finally replaced by key starting for 1965. Unlike the Morris Minor Traveller (q.v.) the external wooden paneling was purely cosmetic and a plain metal version was available from 1963. The Mk2 version was introduced in 1967 and recognisable by its enlarged front grille. With the Mk3 in late 1969, all Mini Estates were based on the Clubman, with timber framing disappearing along with the separate Austin and Morris badges. Buy now before they all vanish to Japan!
Mini Clubman & 1275GT
PRICE: £200-£2250
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1969-79 - Bodywork:
Two-door saloon estate - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four cylinder (A-Series) 998cc 39bhp; 1275cc 59bhp - 0-60 mph:
Clubman 21 sec; 1275GT 13-14 sec - Top Speed:
Clubman 77mph; 1275GT 87-90mph - MPG:
28-41mpg
PAST: First major revamp of Mini includes new stand alone brand and two ranges with Clubman more upmarket, signified by squared-off nose (longer, less aerodynamic!), and doors from Hornet/Elf with concealed hinges and wind-up windows. Plusher trim includes new interior with dials now in driver’s eye line; 1275GT is first Mini to have a tacho as standard! Made to sooth insurance companies,1275 GT replaces much loved Cooper and despite boy-racer image and 1300 single carb engine is as quick. Dry set up for ’71, 12 inch wheels and larger brakes for 1974 (run flat Dunlop Denovo option for 1275 GT). Range facelifted frequently, with 1098cc option in ‘75 range dropped in 1979.
PRESENT: Seen by some a retrograde step although GT gives a Cooper a race!
FUTURE: Never caught on like trad Mini but 1275s will be collectable.
