The Mini proved to be one of the motoring world’s great survivors. It remained in production in one form or another from 1959 until 2000. The most significant visual change occurred in 1969 when it literally received a facelift. The company offered the updated model as a Clubman or a more sporting 1275 GT. Our feature car wears that second badge and recently emerged after more than three decades in hiding. It is an unmolested classic ripe for revival, with the seller listing it here at Classic Car Auctions. It is set to go under the hammer on Saturday, 25th March, at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. The auctioneer’s guide price is £10,000 to £12,000.
The original Mini first rolled off the production line in 1959, and the 1969 update brought the most striking change in the car’s appearance. This 1970 1275 GT features the new front treatment with a broader grille and square lines. Its original owner used it regularly until placing it into storage in 1990. It emerged covered in a heavy layer of dust but with no visible panel damage or rust issues. However, with significant surface corrosion on its engine components, it would be worth climbing under this classic to confirm it has no nasty hidden surprises. It wears its original Bronze Yellow paint, which looks pretty good beneath the dust. The winning bidder might decide that preservation is the best option, and I think a wash and polish might produce surprising results that would make it a viable choice. The trim and stripes look good for their age, although the Rostyle wheels exhibit corrosion that would justify restoration. Overall, returning this classic to a presentable state should not be difficult if there is no hidden rust.
The Mini wasn’t the first front-wheel-drive to roll off a production line, but its packaging was ingenious. By adopting a transverse engine configuration, it proved easy to slot its four-cylinder powerplant and transmission under a surprisingly short hood. This allowed the car to feature a remarkably spacious interior for a vehicle with an overall length of just over 10 feet. This little survivor’s engine bay houses a 1,275cc four that sent 59hp to the road via a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The output may seem modest, but the performance was surprising, with the Mini tipping the scales at a featherweight 1,477 lbs. The ¼-mile ET of 19 seconds is impressive under the circumstances, but sheer acceleration is not the Mini’s strong point. These little gems are at home on a twisting road where the person behind the wheel puts some effort into their driving. I’ve been privileged to slip behind the wheel of some desirable vehicles, but for sheer enjoyment, none have come close to my time in a Mini. If you’ve never had that experience, you have missed out on one of life’s great pleasures. This 1275 GT hasn’t fired a shot since 1990 and will undoubtedly require work before it returns to active duty. It retains its service stickers, verifying it had 11,800 original miles on its odometer when it hibernated. That means it should be a long way from being worn out.
The surprise packet with this Mini is its interior condition. The Black vinyl upholstery is free from issues, with the same true of the carpet, dash, and painted surfaces. The winning bidder won’t need to spend money on a retrim, but a few days in their workshop with a collection of high-quality cleaning products should produce pleasing results. It doesn’t feature a wealth of luxury touches, although the factory tachometer and heater will undoubtedly be welcome. The equipment may seem sparse, but that is part of the secret to the Mini’s success. Luxury appointments add weight, and with a modest amount of available engine power, performance would suffer. It represents a trade-off, but it is worth it when these classics hit the road.
There will be a group of readers who will look at this 1970 Mini 1275 GT and find pleasant memories flooding back. They were a popular choice as a first car for many in the UK because they were relatively cheap, easy to drive, and the spare parts were plentiful. This one has spent too long in hibernation, and seeing it emerge in search of a new owner is wonderful. Returning it to its former glory would be satisfying, but addressing any potential rust issues and selecting the preservation route is a valid option. If you were the winning bidder, which path would you choose?
My immediate path would be to wonder why a Brit in the UK would put a well known worldwide car up for sale without cleaning it up so it doesn’t look like it was just hauled out of the Thames river. Second immediate path would have me looking underneath to see if the non arid UK weather ate up any metal.
The Mini Clubman front reminds me of the 1978 tall-grille facelift of the AMC Pacer or the 1979-80 square front Ford Pinto, in that they all look better on the wagons than on the sedan body styles.
Now that’s the Spirit!
Yeas. I agree with Bobhess…. maybe some people think a car is more valuable if it really looks like it literally just got hauled out from the barn…but I think it’d be more attractive cleaned up a little…
the write-up is correct, none of the Mini models on paper looks that impressive in terms of bhp, 0-60 or top speed, but there are few cars more fun to drive on a tight twisty course. I believe someone described driving the original Mini Cooper S as “the most fun you can have with your clothes on..”
Yes, these cars are prone to rust and as noted, much of UK is damp in climate. On the plus side, pretty much anything, like replacement panels etc, are easily available and if you wanted to build a trick restomod upgraded Mini there are a host of aftermarket parts suppliers and specialists for these cars (in the UK at least) even many years after they went out of production.
Have to agree, just pull out the rodent nest and pressure wash the car! So much funk, steering wheel is on the wrong side and it’s over the pond, thought about getting one a few times. Sure don’t see too many of the latter Minis.
I went to a car show in Fenton, MO around 15 years ago and someone entered their classic Mini. But the crazy thing about it was the Honda K20 series engine and 6 speed swapped in, and the even crazier thing was the engine was supercharged to 500+ horsepower! Can you imagine driving a fwd, 1500 pound car with that much power? Never got to talk with the owner, but sure wish I could have, I bet he had some stories to tell!
Always liked the 1275GT. Now wash it already! While you’re at it detail it and then get it running. Cmon. Barn find dust is about as current as faux patina.
Memories indeed. I raced another Mini through the country lanes back in the early 80s and wrapped mine around a tree Goodbye fun little 1275GT!