1974 Austin Mini 1275 GT
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Highlights
- Subject to extensive, high quality restoration
- Highly original condition
- Featured in Miniworld magazine
- Immaculate from both a mechanical and aesthetic perspective
The Appeal
1275, the four all important numbers that turn a standard classic mini into something truly special. Lightweight, dynamic and punchy.
Of course all words that can be used to describe the regular car, but the 1275 GT does a rather marvellous job of taking all those wonderful qualities and turning them right the way up to 11.
Of course all words that can be used to describe the regular car, but the 1275 GT does a rather marvellous job of taking all those wonderful qualities and turning them right the way up to 11.
As GT clubmans go, this one really does take some beating. Subject to an incredibly extensive restoration circa 2020, YRT 14N, a late 1974 model, now presents in utterly impeccable condition. With the body, interior and mechanical underpinnings all having had a significant dab of the restoration brush, this car is now an absolute show stopper.
Finished in a rare and unique factory blue, the GT really does stand out from the crowd and would undoubtedly be a welcome addition to any classic car show, but is a car that would be equally at home on a rewarding B-Road, courtesy of its gem of an engine, now befitted with some excellent choice upgrades, which have been installed in a way so as not to detract from the car’s original appearance.
For the classic mini enthusiast or for someone looking to break into that field, YRT 14N presents an exciting opportunity to acquire what must surely be one of the finest 1275s on the road today.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 18/09/1974
- Bought by the current owner circa 2003 as part of a fleet of Clubmans destined to go time attack road rallying
- The car was rallied for some considerable years before it was decided the next step would be to restore it
- The car was subjected to an incredibly extensive restoration at the hands of the current owner using the finest quality OEM bits where possible
- After restoration the car was featured in Miniworld magazine
- Accompanied by the correct V5 registration document
- Both MOT and tax exempt due to historic status although the car will be sold with 12 months MOT for peace of mind
The Interior
- Recommissioned interior
- Incredibly original inside
- Seats retrimmed in the correct “basket weave” upholstery
- Original gauges
Examining the 1275, one begins to garner an incredible level of admiration for the quality of work performed by the current owner throughout the restoration.
A prime example of this comes when inspecting the Mini’s cabin. In much the same fashion as the rest of the car, an extensive recommissioning process has occurred here and it really does show.
A prime example of this comes when inspecting the Mini’s cabin. In much the same fashion as the rest of the car, an extensive recommissioning process has occurred here and it really does show.
Neat and simple. Black upholstery dominates the cabin, with the original rear bench seat still present in the car and a set of correct front seats having been sourced and refinished in the correct black to replace the bucket seats from the car’s former life road rallying.
With the car having seen very limited use since its restoration, it comes as no surprise to report that the interior seating presents in great clean condition, with very little, if anything to be seen in the way of wear.
With the car having seen very limited use since its restoration, it comes as no surprise to report that the interior seating presents in great clean condition, with very little, if anything to be seen in the way of wear.
At the sides, we are presented with a replacement set of black door panels, well appointed with the correct factory switchgear and embellishments.
The front of the cabin introduces us to the classic and simple Mini dash piece and control panel, all of an impeccable standard and well complimented by the Mini’s original gauge set nestled into the dash.
The front of the cabin introduces us to the classic and simple Mini dash piece and control panel, all of an impeccable standard and well complimented by the Mini’s original gauge set nestled into the dash.
A great standout piece here comes in the form of the steering wheel. Sporting an original, and often elusive 1275 GT centre cap, the wheel itself was custom made by the current owner using a standard clubman wheel and the template from a pre-existing 1275 GT that was to hand. The end result was absolutely excellent and the large three spoke wheel now stands as a centrepiece within the cabin.
Looking up we find a great clean, contrasting white headliner and at the rear, a neat, simple and solid boot/storage area.
The Exterior
- Marvellous Lagoon blue metallic paintwork
- Rare factory 12” wheels
- Presents in outstanding aesthetic condition
It's the age old story.
What was originally planned to be a repair job to rectify some minor damage caused during the Mini’s time road rallying, rather quickly developed into a full on cosmetic and mechanical restoration.
Whilst of course this was a far more hands on job than originally planned or anticipated, it really did play into the 1275’s favour as it turned the car from a run of the mill 1275 into an undeniably wonderful show piece.
What was originally planned to be a repair job to rectify some minor damage caused during the Mini’s time road rallying, rather quickly developed into a full on cosmetic and mechanical restoration.
Whilst of course this was a far more hands on job than originally planned or anticipated, it really did play into the 1275’s favour as it turned the car from a run of the mill 1275 into an undeniably wonderful show piece.
The car was stripped down to its bare shell which was subsequently sandblasted and any necessary bodywork and welding was performed to solidify the Mini before the all important subject of paint came into question.
Lagoon blue metallic was the final colour chosen for the 1275, and what an excellent choice that was. Records show that this was a colour readily available on the factory colour charts for the GT, however they are simply not seen in this colour, which makes this one all the more special and really helps it to stand out.
Whilst not in a concours state, the paintwork is truly of a great standard and presents as such, with a deep and rich shine exuding from the little Mini.
Whilst not in a concours state, the paintwork is truly of a great standard and presents as such, with a deep and rich shine exuding from the little Mini.
The various trim and brightwork found dotted around the car, including the absolutely iconic front grille are in excellent clean shape and work well to compliment the car’s brilliant blue paint scheme.
A good quality factory chrome front bumper was sourced for the car and the rear was sent off to a local refinishers and returned with an exceptional chrome finish.
In addition, a wonderful set of white 1275 GT side stripes were placed onto the car to really set it off from an aesthetic perspective.
A good quality factory chrome front bumper was sourced for the car and the rear was sent off to a local refinishers and returned with an exceptional chrome finish.
In addition, a wonderful set of white 1275 GT side stripes were placed onto the car to really set it off from an aesthetic perspective.
1974 saw a changeover when it came to wheels for the 1275, during this production year, the wheel size changed from 10” to 12”. This car came as a factory 12” car and as such it still proudly sits on a set of the correct 12” wheels, all of which present in superb shape. A fifth spare wheel can be found located in the rear storage section.
The Mechanics
- Excellent mildly tuned 1293 engine
- Has undergone extensive mechanical restoration
- Incredibly clean underside
- Great performer
An interesting talking point on any 1275 GT is always going to be the mechanical underpinnings, and this particular car is no stranger to that notion.
Under the bonnet we find an absolute gem, what we have is a mildly tuned 1293 with a big-valve head, ported with bigger valves by Mini Speed. It has an alloy manifold and an LCB.
The engine had been tuned this way for some extra torque during the Mini’s former life road rallying. The engine was bought as a kit and then subsequently built up by the current owner.
They were also able to find the correct type of gearbox casing and then built that up with some existing gears and some new, using new bearings.
Under the bonnet we find an absolute gem, what we have is a mildly tuned 1293 with a big-valve head, ported with bigger valves by Mini Speed. It has an alloy manifold and an LCB.
The engine had been tuned this way for some extra torque during the Mini’s former life road rallying. The engine was bought as a kit and then subsequently built up by the current owner.
They were also able to find the correct type of gearbox casing and then built that up with some existing gears and some new, using new bearings.
It’s not just the engine and gearbox that were subject to restoration though. Nearly every component from the running gear has been stripped, rebuilt or replaced with factory parts.
The original subframes were also removed and repainted. The quality of this restoration really can’t be undersold, and courtesy of the current owner’s lift, the photographic package provided alongside this listing is able to further highlight just how clean everything is from the underside.
The original subframes were also removed and repainted. The quality of this restoration really can’t be undersold, and courtesy of the current owner’s lift, the photographic package provided alongside this listing is able to further highlight just how clean everything is from the underside.
On the road, YRT 14N is reported to do what all Minis do so well, drive wonderfully.
Lightweight, peppy and absolutely unadulterated fun, the 1275 is simply a joy to behold, and thanks to some choice engine upgrades, packs a bit more punch than the average GT!
Lightweight, peppy and absolutely unadulterated fun, the 1275 is simply a joy to behold, and thanks to some choice engine upgrades, packs a bit more punch than the average GT!
Summary
Having covered just a handful of miles since its restoration, this Mini really needs nothing to be enjoyed.
Brilliant and unique paintwork, a clean interior and outstanding mechanical underpinnings, one struggles to think of what else could be asked of this car.
Brilliant and unique paintwork, a clean interior and outstanding mechanical underpinnings, one struggles to think of what else could be asked of this car.
Classic Minis are seldom offered for sale in this high quality, and thus YRT 14N introduces a rare and exciting opportunity to purchase an exquisite example of a British icon.
The big question is, where would you find another quite like it?
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1974
- Make Austin
- Model Mini 1275 GT
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 99,985 Miles
- Engine size 1275
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Chelmsford
- Location Essex
- Country United Kingdom
41
bids
- ph•••• £18,500 19/08/22
- Ca•••• £18,250 19/08/22
- ph•••• £18,000 19/08/22
- Ca•••• £17,999 19/08/22
- Ca•••• £17,750 19/08/22
- ph•••• £17,500 19/08/22
- ph•••• £17,250 19/08/22
- Ca•••• £17,000 19/08/22
- ph•••• £16,750 19/08/22
- Ca•••• £16,500 19/08/22
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