Austin Mini Cooper
ENGINE 1275cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 61bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 67lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 92mph 0-60MPH 11.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 35-43mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 82,220 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Like how you’d expect a Sixties Cooper to behave, so the steering is razor-sharp, with no vagueness or play, a bumpy ride (but pleasingly, no rattles or clonks, no matter how much it throws you about). The gearchange has a short, snappy throw to it, and the clutch is light and easy to engage. Mini fetishists won’t take long to work out that this The Italian Job homage isn’t exactly standard, but the modifications have been well chosen. So the standard car’s 998cc A-series has been replaced with a highercompression 1275cc unit, which feels eager throughout the rev range, and maintains a healthy 50psi oil pressure reading. It’s also fitted with Cooper S-spec 7.5-inch front disc brakes, which do a superb job of bringing this car to a halt, plus adjustable shock absorbers.
BODYWORK CHECK
Like the mechanicals, this isn’t entirely as it would have left Longbridge. The bodyshell is from a later MkIII, but what it lacks in originality it makes up for in condition – it’s not unusual to see Minis of this era with
EXTERIOR
Later bodyshell Good paint
INTERIOR
Good overall Windscreen leak
MECHANICALS
Drives well Later engine
corrosion around the bottom of the A-pillars and beneath the rear windows and headlights, but this one has held up well. The Snowberry White paint has a consistent glossy finish with no bubbling or cracks in it. The Wipac foglights are in good order and work correctly.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The headlining’s a little loose towards the rear of the cabin but it isn’t sagging and there are no unsightly marks. The seats are in good order, feeling well padded and with no rips or scuffs on the vinyl trim, and a set of later threepoint seatbelts have been fitted up front. The central instrument binnacle is in good order and all the dials work correctly. The three-spoke Moto-Lita
steering wheel is in very good condition, as are the door cards and carpets. Just about the only complaint is a small leak from the windscreen seal rubber when it’s raining heavily.
UNDER THE BONNET
The later 1275cc unit – which we suspect is an ‘A Plus’ unit – has the signs of lingering oil residue towards the bottom of the block (common on these cars) but there are no signs of any more recent or substantial leaks, and the dipstick shows that the oil is at the correct level, even if the hue suggests that it’s due a change. The alternator, HT leads and ignition components all look like they’re in good order, there are no signs of the radiator having boiled over and no rot on the bulkhead or inner wings.
THE CCW VIEW
Purists looking for originality should look elsewhere, but anyone who wants to drive, rather than show their Mini should give this car a second look. It’s been set up well, treated to all the right modifications and has a strong history file, including a heritage certificate.
PROS Drives well, sensible upgrades, condition CONS Not one for the Mini purists
BUY IT FROM Bradley James Classics, Quidhampton, Overton, Hampshire RG25 3EB. 01256 242212, bradleyjamesclassics.co.uk