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

MINI Cooper

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

Picture Of

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.

Picture Of

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

Used Classic MINI Cooper Cars Models Mini Clubman and 1275GT: 1969–1980 Parts 1

Picture Of

MINI Cooper Cars

Classic MINI Cooper Cars// MINI Clubman

MINI Cooper Cars And MINI Clubman Parts 1

In 1969, under the ownership of British Leyland, the Mini was given a facelift by stylist Roy Haynes, who had previously worked for Ford. The restyled version was called the Mini Clubman, and has a squarer frontal look, using the same indicator/sidelight assembly as the Austin Maxi. The Mini Clubman was intended to replace the upmarket Riley and Wolseley versions. A new model, dubbed the 1275GT, was slated as the replacement for the 998 cc Mini Cooper (the 1275 cc Mini Cooper S continued alongside the Mini Clubman 1275GT for two years until 1971). The Mini Clubman Estate took over where the Countryman and Traveller left off.

However, British Leyland continued to produce the classic 1959 "round-front" design, alongside the newer Mini Clubman and Mini Clubman 1275GT models (which were replaced in 1980 by the new hatchback Austin Metro, while production of the original "round-front" Mini design continued for another 20 years.)

Production of the Mini Clubman and Mini Clubman 1275GT got off to a slow start because the cars incorporated "lots of production changes" including the relocation of tooling from the manufacturer's Cowley plant to the Longbridge plant: very few cars were handed over to customers before the early months of 1970.

Early domestic market Mini Clubman were still delivered on cross-ply tyres despite the fact that by 1970 radials had become the norm for the car's mainstream competitors. By 1973 new Minis were, by default, being shipped with radial tyres, though cross-plies could be specified by special order, giving British buyers a price saving of $8. ~ MINI Cooper Cars Models Mini Clubman and 1275GT

Mini Cooper Cars - Mini Mark II (1967–1973)
Used Classic MINI Cooper Cars Models Mini Cooper and Cooper S (1961-2000) Parts 2