1980 Austin Morris Mini 1275GT

Launched in 1969, the Mini 1275GT was the 'hot' version of the new-look Mini Clubman and was intended to replace the old Mini Cooper S, which duly ended production in 1971, leaving the 1275GT as the only sporting Mini on sale for the rest of the decade. The Clubman and 1275GT were themselves replaced in 1980 by the new hatchback Metro.

Entered from private ownership, this exceptional example is one of the last flagship sporting Mini 1275GTs. Having been manufactured between June 1979 and October 1980, it benefits from being registered as an Austin Morris Mini 1275GT as opposed to the BLMC and Leyland Cars title, that the vast majority of 1275GTs carry. It was meticulously restored over a period of some 24 months which finished in 2013, and there are documented invoices for all the works carried-out (exceeding £20,000) on file. The Mini has only covered around 500 miles since completion, having been carefully stored since.

The comprehensive restoration included:-

· The vehicle was carefully dismantled to component form, to be restored to the highest possible standard.

· The body-shell was then forwarded for chemical Stripping to renowned experts, SPL (Surface Processing Limited).

· Many replacement OEM panels were sourced, including; front wings, rear quarter panels, door skins, valances, gusset closing panels, front panel, sill panels, front & rear subframe MPs and much more besides which facilitated the painstaking bodywork restoration (detailed within the history file).

· The car was then zinc etch-primed before being professionally repainted in gloss black, ‘stonechipped’ and subsequently benefitted from careful rustproofing throughout.

· The engine was removed, rebuilt and ported with the benefit of a duplex chain fitted.

· Newton Commercial interior panels including quality fitted carpets and headlining were fitted.

· Le Mans seat package with Cobra frames.

· Superlight 12” alloy wheels finished in complimentary gold/chrome effect.

· Replacement chrome & brightwork throughout.

· New wiring loom.

· New Cibie driving lamps.

· Replacement brake-linings throughout.

· Replacement window-seals, vents etc.

· Replacement clutch & brake cylinders etc.

Our vendor has recently had the vehicle serviced including a coolant change and has supplied a fresh ‘no-advisory’ MOT which has been added to the car's history file alongside the invoices and photographic records of the restoration.