1972 AUSTIN 1300GT
ENGINE 1275cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 70bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 74lb ft@3250rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 92mph 0-60MPH 14.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 26-30mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 56,700 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The A-series motor starts at the first turn of the key from cold and makes no unwanted noises. The manual choke is unwilling to stay in a set position, but isn’t needed after just a minute, the engine settling to a quiet tick-over. ADO16 gearboxes have much in common with the Mini, so this one feels familiar. The clutch is light and takeoff smooth and predictable. Performance is sprightly, handling terrific and brakes surprisingly good.
BODYWORK CHECK
This GT was restored in 2011 and there’s plenty of photo evidence in the comprehensive history file to back it up. They confirm that the original floor panels were pretty solid prior to work starting, but that it underwent a ‘glass out’ bead blast. Six years on, there is the odd stone chip, but the finish is largely unblemished. The patinated chrome strips look original and the bumpers marred only by the smallest of ‘dinks’ in the front one. The underside is well covered but the original black finish to the wheel trims requires some attention.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
This Austin’s interior looks factory original except for the replacement roof lining. There’s minimal wear – the dash top covering is slightly puckered and the driver’s door card is slightly misshapen. Seats and carpets look fine, all the gauges operate correctly and the heating takes no time to warm the cabin. The upright steering column position takes its cue from the Mini, and the dished steering wheel (ex-MG), wood-finished gear knob and deep seats are all in excellent order. With just a little investment, this interior could be as near to perfect as a Seventies Austin can be.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay was cleared during the rebuild, allowing it to be professionally re-finished and it looks impressive; the motor and ancillaries show no signs of fluid leaks, even from the cork rocker cover gasket. The block, cover and air filter have all been painted black; the perfectionist may want to re-coat those and polish the twin-carb pots. The protective splash guard and under-bonnet sound-deadening are correct and the bay itself is very tidy. This attention to detail carries over to the history file, which comprises a stack of invoices, old MoTs and a DVD of the restoration work.
THE CCW VIEW
There are fewer than 40 of these GT-badged Austins still on the UK’s roads and its rarity is a serious consideration for any buyer. Finding someone locally with a pump for the hydrolastic suspension could present a challenge, but elsewhere this particular car needs very little as it has certainly been cared for with the costly repairs already carried out. Mini driving fun with a more accommodating cabin? Sounds good to us.