BMC 1100 - WHAT’S THE APPEAL?
W hen the 1100 first appeared in late 1962, it followed the revolutionary Mini but thankfully avoided most of the Mini’s teething troubles. There were early troubles though; the exposed fuel pump and inadequately supported exhaust down pipe caused reliability issues, as could BMC’s haphazard approach to quality control.
But as a new car in 1962, the ADO16 really was streets ahead of the competition. The crisp styling made the Anglia look old, never mind the Minor 1000. It also drove superbly with excellent steering and handling, good disc brakes up front plus a very good ride. Most of the faults were cured by the time the 1967 1275cc 1300 models as well as a mild Mk II facelift came on the scene. The MkII 1100 models arrived at the same time and added the more effective 1300 sliding caliper brakes. Synchro on first gear was phased in by late 1968 and as a package; an Austin or Morris 1300 was hard to beat.
Certainly, the 1973 Allegro failed to capitalise on the ADO16’s strengths and carried over the two failings – the slightly choppy ride, which by 1973 standards wasn’t really acceptable and the lack of a fifth door. The 1100 can be a bit slow, but a well set up 1300 can often surprise with how well it still drives after all these years.