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)

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

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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

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Mini Classic Cars Part 2

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Mini Classic Cars Part 2

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Demand for the Mini was increasing, not only from the production line but from used Mini dealerships as well. As different Marks of the Mini were introduced, each model evolved, with the Clubman having a longer nose and differing front end to the original Mini design. Between 1959 and 2000 when production of the Mini was brought to a close, the shape of the Mini did not change much at all, in fact the shape of the Mini was registered as a trademark, which is almost unheard of in the car industry.

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The curtain was drawn on the production of the Mini in 2000 as Rover, now the manufacturer of the Mini following on Austin and Morris, were making huge losses and were forced into a buyout by German car giants, BMW. The Mini was to be no more, at least not as we knew it. BMW dragged the Mini into the 21st century, completely redesigning the car, yet keeping its redeeming features. The MINI (all in caps to distinguish it from the original Mini) divided opinion between fans of the original, yet gained rave reviews from those in the know.

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Many Mini enthusiasts felt bitter towards BMW for not continuing production of the Mini in favour of the more expensive MINI, whereas others were among the first to buy the new MINI. The much larger MINI was criticised by purists for literally not being mini anymore also, yet none of the negative criticisms have affected sales.

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The MINI has sold more than one million units since 2000 and remains one of the few cars that actually retain its value in the ever depreciating world of car sales. Used Mini dealerships are one of the few who have not been badly affected by the credit crunch and have not had to slash prices to keep afloat - a fine example of just how popular the Mini has remained.

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Original Minis remain sought after and some of the rarer models are valuable collectors' items. Minis remain one of the most popular renovation projects for retired car enthusiasts also, as they hark back to the swinging sixties, trying to recapture their youth. Love 'em or loathe'em the BMW MINI is likely to remain a popular car for years to come, as the Mini remains a car close to the hearts of British industry.

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Mini Classic Cars Part 1

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Mini Classic Cars

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Mini Classic Cars

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One of the most iconic cars will be celebrating its 50th birthday in August 2009 - a British classic that turned into a cult classic - the Mini.

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Since the Mini was conceived in 1959 it has become a phenomenon. Originally designed as an fuel efficient, affordable, space saving small car, in the 1960s the Mini was such a success that some of the biggest celebrities in the world owned at least one Mini, including John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Peter Sellers and Steve McQueen.

The Mark I Mini was updated three times in the UK with the Mark II, Clubman and Mark III, and different models were designed during this time including the Mini van, Mini estate and the ever so cute Mini Moke. The most sought after model from the Mini fleet, the Cooper S, (brand new and from used Mini dealerships) enjoyed rally driving success in the mid-60's claiming a number of world titles.

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The Mini was the model with which other car brands based their small car designs, employing the front wheel drive system designed by Austin for the original Mini, and despite competition from other brands, Mini remained the popular choice of small car.

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Mini Classic Cars Part 2