Mini Clubman and Mini 1275GT (1969–1980) Parts 3

MINI Cooper

Mini Clubman and Mini 1275GT (1969–1980) Parts 3

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Mini Clubman And Mini 1275GT

Classic MINI Cooper Cars

MINI Cooper Cars

The Mini Clubman and 1275GT were responsible for two motoring "firsts": they were the first vehicles to use a flexi printed-circuit board behind the dash instruments (universal nowadays, but technically advanced for 1969). Secondly, the 1275GT was the first vehicle to be offered with run-flat tyres; from 1974 this model could be ordered with optional Dunlop Denovo tyres on 12-inch (300 mm) diameter rims. In the event of a puncture, the Dunlop Denovo tyre would not burst and quickly deflate, but could continue to be used safely at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h). This was a useful safety feature, although the increased road noise and relatively poor grip of this tyre meant that many 1275GT buyers ignored this option.

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Mini Clubman And Mini 1275GT

Throughout the 1970s, British Leyland continued to produce the classic 1959 "round-front" design, alongside the newer Mini Clubman and Mini 1275GT models. The long-nose Clubman and 1275GT offered better crash safety, were better equipped, and had vastly better under-bonnet access, but they were more expensive and aerodynamically inferior to the original 1959 design. The Clubman and 1275GT were replaced in 1980 by the new hatchback Austin Metro, while production of the original "round-front" Mini design continued for another 20 years. At the end of Mini Clubman and Mini 1275GT production, 275,583 Clubman saloons, 197,606 Mini Clubman Estates and 110,673 Mini 1275GTs had been made.

related : Mini Mark II ~ Mini Classic Cars (1967–1973)
related : Mini Clubman And Mini 1275GT ~ MINI Cooper Parts 1 And Parts 2

MINI Cooper Cars Models Mini Clubman and 1275GT: 1969–1980 Parts 2

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MINI Cooper Cars

Classic MINI Cooper Cars

MINI Cooper Cars Parts 1

The 1275GT is often incorrectly described as the "Mini Clubman 1275GT". The official name was always just the "Mini 1275GT", and it was a separate, distinct model from the Mini Clubman (albeit, it shared the same frontal treatment as the Mini Clubman, and was launched at the same time).

In 1971, the 1275 cc Mini Cooper S was discontinued in the UK, leaving the Mini 1275GT as the only sporting Mini on sale for the rest of the decade. Innocenti in Italy, however, continued making their own version of the Mini Cooper for some time. While the UK built 1275GT was not nearly as quick as a 1275 Mini Cooper S, it was cheaper to buy, run, and insure. It was the first Mini to be equipped with a tachometer. It also featured a standard-fit close-ratio gearbox. Performance of the 1275GT was lively for the time, achieving 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 12.9 seconds, and the excellent midrange torque offered a 30–50 mph (48–80 km/h) time in top gear of only nine seconds. The bluff front, however, meant that the model struggled to reach 90 mph (140 km/h). The 1275 cc A-series engine could be cheaply and easily tuned, though the cheap purchase price and prominent "sidewinder" door stripes meant that this model developed a reputation as something of a "boy-racer special" during the 1970s and into the 1980s.

Mini Cooper Cars - Mini Mark II (1967–1973)
Morris Mini Cars K (March 1969 – August 1971)