1979 Mini 1275GT Saloon

1979 Mini 1275GT Saloon
Registration no. LGJ 333V
Chassis no. XE202-612236A
Engine no. 26400
• One owner from new
• 33,780 miles recorded
• Little used in recent years

British Leyland's corporate strategy for the 1970s saw Austin and Morris dropped as marque names for the Mini, and a new top-of-the-range variant - the Mini Clubman - introduced. The Clubman featured an extended nose, and - along with the rest of the MkIII Minis - employed a revised bodyshell incorporating internal door hinges. Wind-up windows - borrowed from the defunct Elf/Hornet - were another new departure and, in the Clubman's case, the instruments moved from the dashboard centre to a position ahead of the driver.

Part of the Clubman range was the sporty-looking 1275GT, which despite the 'GT' appellation was not a high-performance variant like the soon-to-be deleted Cooper S. The 1275GT's A-Series engine had a single carburettor and produced 59bhp compared with the Cooper S's 76 horsepower, though it did have the benefit of the latter's front disc brakes. Power was delivered via a four-speed close-ratio gearbox. Externally the 1275GT was distinguished from the ordinary Clubman by its blacked-out front grille, wide Rostyle wheels, and contrasting side stripes, while inside the cabin there was new-style upholstery and a three-instrument binnacle complete with rev counter, it being the first time the latter had featured in a production Mini. In 1974 the 1275GT became the first Mini to adopt 12" wheels, the Denovo type being standardised in 1977. The Clubman and 1275GT remained in production until superseded by the Mini Metro in 1980.

This one-owner 1275GT is has been registered and owned from new in the name of a UK company. The original purchase invoice is on file from Andersons Car Sales Ltd, dated 14th June 1979. It notes the original specification of Black paint, with Sunroof and vinyl, nudge bars and wooden door trims, fascia and centre console. The retention of the original 8-track cartridge player is a delightful period touch. MOT certificates on file go back all the way to the late 1980s, showing the mileage throughout the years to back up the current mileage reading. The car currently displays a total of 33,780 miles on the odometer. Also in the file are a huge number of invoices for work and maintenance throughout the years, most recently in 2020. The Mini has seen little use in recent years and some recommissioning may be required before further use. Sold strictly as viewed, the car comes with its original handbooks, some expired tax discs, old MOTs, invoices and a V5C Registration Certificate.