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 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.
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.
