Mini 1275 GT "OPC 201L"

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Owned by the current owner since 1991, this late 1972 Mini 1275 GT has been the subject of a full and detailed restoration to original specification, including new panel-work, which was lead loaded, and finished in its original "Teal" blue cellulose paint. A number of period Special Tuning modifications have been added to the car. It is fitted with the factory options of reclining front seats and a heated rear screen. The original "Britax Weathershield" Webasto type sliding fabric sunroof has been retained, and re-trimmed.

Taken in 1997, prior to the restoration with Nathan, July 2001 Left hand headlamp, July 2001 Right hand side, July 2001 Front right hand road-wheel, July 2001

The suspension is fully polyurethane bushed, with 1.5 degree negative camber bottom front arms and adjustable front tie rods, with negative camber brackets at the rear and SPAX adjustable gas shock absorbers all round.

Mintex M1144 compound brake linings are used all round with Superfin alloy rear brake drums. Yokohama 032R tyres, with inner tubes, are fitted to the wheels. To clear the rear shock absorbers, 10mm wheel spacers are fitted with extended wheel studs.

The wheels were refurbished by powder coating, and have been carefully balanced to hide the weights. The chrome "hub caps" are shared with the MG Midget, and were renewed.

Back of car, July 2001 Interior, front, July 2001 Dashboard and steering wheel, July 2001 Interior, rear, July 2001

New headlining, carpets and front seat covers were fitted, and an original leather rimmed steering wheel traced. The steering wheel badge came from a separate source.

Inside the boot, showing the twin petrol tanks, July 2001

A late type boot lid, and seal, have been fitted to try to keep out the water, and an original pattern twin petrol tank has been installed to increase the cars range between fuel stops.

Engine bay, July 2001 Engine, July 2001

The car runs +0.030 inch pistons, a lightened steel flywheel, orange diaphragm clutch, Maniflow LCB exhaust manifold and stainless steel RC40 exhaust, alloy inlet manifold with a two-core high cooling capacity radiator and Luminition Magnetronic electronic ignition hidden within the distributor cap. An oil cooler has been installed, and the engine is run exclusively on Valvoline Racing oil. Rolling road tuning released approx. 63 bhp at the wheels on the original single 1.5 inch SU HS4 carb.

The car has been fully treated with Dinitrol rust proofing compounds. A full photographic record of the restoration was made, and all receipts retained.

Last Updated: 06 January 2002