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…
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 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.
