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…

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Mini Cooper S

PRICE: £2500-£11,000

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Fast Facts

Produced:
1963-71
Bodywork:
Two-door saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four -cylinder (A-Series) 970cc 63bhp; 1071cc 70bhp; 1275cc 76bhp
0-60 mph:
11-13 secs
Top Speed:
95-100mph
MPG:
30-36 mpg

PAST: The Mini with the most thanks to Richmond of Downton Engineering who took Cooper a stage further with racing block and higher tuned ‘top end’ plus larger brakes and tyres and twin fuel tanks. Launched in ‘63 in 1071 guise but 1275 supplements in March ‘64 and displaces it by autumn. Also special short-stroke 970cc model that was mainly aimed at competition (March ‘64- January ‘65). Killed off in 1971.

PRESENT: The Mini with the most! Still a brilliant point-to-point car that always feels faster than it really is. Interior is virtually stock Mini (not even a rev counter) but some have reclining seats.

FUTURE: Can go for big money these days so always worth saving. Beware of fakes (head has an extra stud, for example) and penny-pinching bodges! Lots of period tuning gear when at its peak all adds to car’s value.

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.

Mini Cooper

PRICE: £1250-£4000+

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Fast Facts

Produced:
1961-69
Bodywork:
Two-door saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder (A-Series) 997cc 55bhp; 998cc 55bhp
0-60 mph:
14-15 secs
Top Speed:
88-90mph
MPG:
31-36 mpg

PAST: A motoring icon, instigated by F1 car constructor John Cooper and Daniel Richmond – although Cooper took the plaudits for slotting in a detuned 1-litre racing engine (rated at 997cc until late ‘63, then a shorter stroke bigger bore 998cc) with twin carbs, ’648’ cam, big valve head closer ratio gears, disc brakes and wider tyres in 1961. Entertaining. Revisions as per normal Mini but car killed off once 1275 GT was launched for two reasons; officially it meant cheaper insurance, but real reason was that BLMC didn’t like paying Cooper royalties!

PRESENT: A good Cooper still pack in more smiles per mile than any other classic thanks to its handling rather than outright pace, which is barely brisk these days. Rest of car is normal Mini.

FUTURE: Will always be worth more than a stock Mini but beware of fakes as they were rife when car was contemporary!

Austin Mini Countryman/Morris Mini Traveller

RATING:

6 / 10

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 Cooper (1990-1999)

PRICE: £600-£3000

Fast Facts

Produced:
1990-1999
Bodywork:
Two-door saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four cylinder (A-Series) 1275 59 (Carb) EFi 63bhp; Touring 86bhp; John Cooper Works 90bhp
0-60 mph:
10-13 sec
Top Speed:
1275 90-100+mph
MPG:
35-40 mpg

PAST: Successful relaunch of famous old name for a new type of buyer. Unlike original, new Cooper uses 1275GT tune but good for 63bhp once fuel injection arrives in 1991. Originally a special edition back in 1989 from John Cooper before became official model a year later. Played heavily on its past so lots of accessories and tuning gear marketed to make a Cooper S if required. Twin port EFi for ‘97 with even a five-speed gearbox option. Cooper S coaxes 90bhp in Works tune, 86bhp in ‘Touring’ guise plus lots of nostalgia as standard.

PRESENT: Worthy adaptation of Cooper spirit that’s hugely enjoyable in Cooper S tune. Wide tyres of last Coopers make already agile chassis Gti grippy. Special editions can be well equipped.

FUTURE: Can see good Coopers and special Cooper S models as moderns to mothball - so buy one and enjoy now!

Austin Mini (inc Cooper and Cooper S)

RATING:

10 / 10

PRICE: Earliest 848cc cars £300 - £3500+; Later versions £200 - £1500+; Cooper £500+. - £5000; Cooper S £1000 - £7000+

Fast Facts

Produced:
1959-2000
Bodywork:
Two-door saloons; three-door estate van pick-up
Engine:
Overhead valve, in-line four-cylinder (A-Series) 848cc/998cc/1098cc/1275cc 34bhp to 76bhp
0-60 mph:
850 (34bhp) 20+ sec; 997/998 Cooper (55bhp) 15 sec; 1071 Cooper S (68bhp) 14 sec; 1275 Cooper S (76bhp) 11.5 sec
Top Speed:
850 75 mph; 997/998 Cooper (55bhp): 90 mph; 1071 Cooper S (68bhp): 93 mph; 1275 Cooper S (76bhp): 100 mph
MPG:
850 40-50 mpg; 997/998 Cooper/1071; Cooper S 35-40; 1275 Cooper S 33-38

A truly revolutionary car which changed the face of motoring, and a style icon of the 1960s. Prices of early examples are rising; buy now. Encouraged by huge success in motorsport, the Cooper/Cooper ‘S’ versions became legends in their own time - and remain highly sought-after today. Having inspired the Minor, (Sir) Alec Issigonis set about developing a small but practical and economical four-seater saloon. The Mini employed a smaller version of the proven A35 engine (848cc rather than the A35’s 948cc), but in the Mini the motor was mounted transversely on top of the transmission, and drove the tiny front wheels. This allowed a spacious passenger compartment, within minimal external dimensions; there was sufficient room inside to accommodate four adults in reasonable comfort. An icon and still so relevant today.

Mini Countryman & Traveller

PRICE: £500-£3000

Fast Facts

Produced:
1960-79
Bodywork:
Four-door estate
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder (A-Series) 848cc 34bhp; 998cc 39bhp
0-60 mph:
85025+ sec; 100021 sec
Top Speed:
850 73 mph; 100077mph
MPG:
40-50 mpg

PAST: Launched in 1960 (along with the commercial van) and based on a longer wheelbase platform. Countryman is Austin, Traveller were from Morris, but all essentially the same car save detail cosmetics. Morris 1000-style wood framework is just for show, not structural and plainer estate option added in ‘62. Changes as per Mini, including brief flirtation with Hydrolastic suspension. Replaced by Clubman in 1969.

PRESENT: Another Mini with the most - this time practicality although still drives as good as a normal Mini, perhaps better due to longer wheelbase (certainly the ride is less bouncy in Hydrolastic guise). Vanlike shape and twin doors makes most of space and can carry a lot for its size.

FUTURE: Interest is gaining for these models and a good makes a viable daily driver/runabout. Watch out for converted vans as kits were available.

Mini Mini Mk3-MK5

PRICE: £250-£2000

Fast Facts

Produced:
1969-1990
Bodywork:
Two-door saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder (A-Series) 848cc 34bhp; 998cc 39bhp; 1098cc 42bhp; 1275 59-63bhp
0-60 mph:
850 25+ secs; 1000 18-21 secs; 1098 17-19-secs; 1275 14+secs
Top Speed:
850 73mph;1000 &1098 77-80+ mph; 1275 88-90mph
MPG:
36-50 mpg

PAST: First major revamp of the car since launch sees Mini become stand alone brand and ranges split with standard and square cut Clubman, all
boasting tidied look with concealed door hinges and proper windy windows. Limited editions to spice up range commence in mid ‘70s with 1100cc on 10in wheels in ‘79. Basic City launched as Metro muscles in while disc brakes and 12 inch wheels signal 1984 MK5.

PRESENT: Although not the best period for Minis, arguably they are more refined than earlier ranges and still retain that early fun feel. 1098cc engine gives car fair pep while 12 in wheels could also have run flat Dunlop Denovo tyres.

FUTURE: More suited to daily driver stuff, people usually run these models on a shoestring,although special edition models may be worth keeping. Easy and cheap to run but restos outstrip values.

Mini MK6-MK7

PRICE: £300-£2100

Fast Facts

Produced:
1990-1999
Bodywork:
Two-door saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four cylinder (A-Series) 1275cc 64bhp
0-60 mph:
12-13 sec
Top Speed:
90mph
MPG:
35-40 mpg

PAST: The intention was to dump Mini by 1982 but BL had nothing to replace it so upgrades were carried out such as A-Plus engine, 12 inch wheels and disc brakes on all for ‘84 and even fuel injection on sole 1275 power plant in 1991 for zippy 64bhp. Safety and emission regs meant front mounted radiator, catalyst, driver’s air bag and more on the MK7 plus raft of special editions to keep interest alive. Mini cabrio of ‘92 was first official rag top.

PRESENT: A Mini for modernists yet still retains essential character. Improved brakes and 12 inch wheels welcome improvement while fuel injection means more power so a higher top gear can be used for relaxed cruising. Sort of!

FUTURE: More classical than classic but still feel like a Mini. Hardly worth restoring given values but some special editions will have worth. Few MK7 panels are

Mini Moke

PRICE: £1000-£6000

Fast Facts

Produced:
1964-92
Bodywork:
Utility open top
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder (A-Series) 848cc 34bhp; 998cc 39bhp 1275cc 59bhp
0-60 mph:
850 25+ sec; 1000 21 sec;1275 14-15 sec
Top Speed:
850 73 mph; 100077mph; 1275 85mph
MPG:
40-50 mpg

PAST: Designed as a cheap Jeep to woo the British Army in ‘64. Based upon van platform, ground clearance ruined its chances although BMC did make 600 with a special 4WD. Nevertheless the Moke (slang for Donkey) was a useful utility vehicle of which over 50,000 were built over the years and are still seen in regular service. Claim to fame was in cult TV programme The Prisoner. British production stopped in 1968, moving to Australia and Portugal in its latter days with BMW rumoured to be toying with the idea once again!

PRESENT: A good fun car although Mini purists shudder. More basic than even van its derived from and with minimal weather protection but they have of late gained real cult status. Army spec 4WD will hold appeal but are rare finds.

FUTURE: You have to pay Cooper S cash now but spares and club supply is good.

Mini Van & Pick Up

PRICE: £1000-£5000+

Fast Facts

Produced:
1960-82
Bodywork:
Four-door van two-door pick-up
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four cylinder (A-Series) 848cc 34bhp
0-60 mph:
85025+ sec
Top Speed:
850 73 mph
MPG:
40-50 mpg

PAST: Logical addition to estate range, launched same year with pick-up surfacing in 1961. Very basic plus used lower-tune low compression engine with modified distributor (so to run on two star fuel) and lower gearing. Similar updates to normal range and was renamed Mini 95 in 1978 to donate weight. Very popular with over half a million made (over double estate sales!). Pick-up similar and also renamed ‘95’ in 1978 - almost 60,000 made.

PRESENT: Like estates, there’s renewed interest in working Minis, especially the pick-ups. Even less refined and more basic than saloons with less poke although most have ‘saloon tune’ now.

FUTURE: Pick-ups are shooting in value and can wear Cooper S like price tags.. Many modified and customised so originality will count. New bodyshells are available from BMH.

Mini Wosely Hornet & Riley Elf

PRICE: £500-£3500

Fast Facts

Produced:
1959-69
Bodywork:
Two-door saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four cylinder (A-Series) 848cc 34bhp; 998cc 39bhp
0-60 mph:
850 25+ sec; 1000 21 sec
Top Speed:
850 73 mph; 1000 77mph
MPG:
40-50 mpg

PAST: Upmarket suited and booted offshoots with saloon-style body and luxury kit, where even an MG version was mooted at the 1961 launch. Initially 848cc but 998 power, better brakes and Mini upgrades for MK2 in 1963. More expensive Riley version plusher but none use Cooper engines. Wind-up (Clubmanstyle) windows proper and fresh-air vents for ‘66 MK3 mutation but auto versions didn’t arrive until’68, a year before both were dropped from new Mini brand.

PRESENT: It really depends what you want from your Mini; Elf and Hornet have more luxury and an upmarket image but lose the cheeky nature of the original, although boot is more useable. 998Cc power best, autos are unreliable.

FUTURE: The jury’s out on whether these rare Minis (only 50,000 were made, mostly Elves) but a good one is certainly worth preserving and keeping.

Austin Mini (MK1/MK2)

PRICE: £300-£3000+

Fast Facts

Produced:
1959-69
Bodywork:
Two-door saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four -cylinder (A-Series) 848cc 34bhp; 998cc 39bhp
0-60 mph:
850 25+ sec; 1000 21 sec
Top Speed:
850 73 mph; 1000 77mph
MPG:
40-50 mpg

PAST: Launched in 1959 as the AustinSe7en and the Morris Mini Minor, but plain Mini tag soon stuck. Seven badge replaced by Austin Mini in ’62. ‘Dry’ suspension replaced with ‘1100’ Hydrolastic in September 1964 along with proper key starting with clever AP auto a year later, providing auto and semi auto modes. MKII launched with larger rear windows, squared off grille, and 998cc engine for Super variants.

PRESENT: Arguably the Mini in its most simplistic and purest forms, especially earliest cars with hinged rear number plate to make the most of a small boot. Fantastic agility makes most of modest performance; 998cc best. Early seats uncomfortable; MK2 is much improved in this respect but all woefully unrefined and buzzy – which is half the fun.

FUTURE: Increasing interest in early cars and original ones will hold top prices.

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