AUSTIN MINI 1275 GT

Background

In the days when rallying was as much about proving a car’s reliability as its speed, the 1970 Daily Mirror World Cup Rally was the ultimate test. Just 23 cars finished from nearly 100 starters, the slimmest percentage of all the original 'marathon' rallies. It was so named because the route would follow the direction of the Jules Rimet Trophy as the World Cup’s host city moved from London in 1966 to Mexico City in 1970, the trip was hardly direct, taking in much of western and central Europe and the length of South America on its 16,000 mile journey.

A sole Mini took part in the World Cup Rally, with BL at that point having switched its sporting focus from the Cooper to the square-fronted 1275GT. Though fully Works supported, the Mini wasn’t expected to actually complete the rally, but BMC hoped it would lead the European sections, proving the new 1275GT’s speed (crucial, considering that it was a fair bit slower than the soon to be discontinued Cooper 'S') before inevitably dropping out in America. It didn’t even do that, however, after blowing its pistons in Yugoslavia due to poor fuel.

The Car

That car was originally built in 1988 and appears to faithfully replicate XJB 308H, British Leyland’s only Mini entry in the 1970 World Cup Rally. By 2009 it was ready for a bit of a refresh and long-established specialists, Mini Sport in Burnley, were selected for the task. There is a file with the car documenting the components used and costs and they are summarised below. The Mini has covered just 5,000 miles since the build and has been regularly maintained.

Engine and Gearbox

Body and Interior

This is a truly exceptional model and replica of a highly desirable mini, guided sensibly for any enthusiast.

Location: Somerset

Seller: Private

Photos: Professional