1978 Leyland Mini Clubman 1275GT

Please note this car is located in Merthyr Tydfil, and not Chippenham as previously stated.

Highlights

  • A much-sought-after 1275GT Clubman
  • Impressive retrimmed interior in a two-tone checked colour scheme
  • Excellent candidate for a full restoration

The Appeal

Introduced in 1969 as a slightly more modernised iteration of Issigonis’s famous compact car, the Mini Clubman was a restyled, slightly more pampered Mini with a squared, re-styled nose by Roy Haynes. While it upset the purists, the combination of the most powerful A-Series and a slightly more cossetting cabin was more than enough to make these a highly prized addition to the range. 
This example comes to us in need of some restoration but is still running nicely with reassuring glimmers of originality throughout. Enthusiasts still clamour for the 1275GT Clubman, and we’re convinced that this car is a great example as to why.




The History and Paperwork

  • Sadly we don’t know too much about the history of this car
  • First registered in 1978
  • Four previous owners
  • Purchased by the vendor at a deceased estate sale
  • Currently indicates 54,328 miles on a five-figure odometer
  • Sadly as a result we can’t authenticate this as a true reflection of the car’s mileage
  • The car comes with a set of tax discs, but nothing much else in terms of paperwork
  • The car was originally outshopped in the iconic Bronze Yellow, and since repainted
  • MOT exempt, and we can’t see any MOT history





The Interior

  • Impressive retrimmed seats in two-tone blue and white
  • No rips or tears to the seat upholstery, which is in good order
  • Some light creasing to the bolsters
  • Door cards show light signs of wear, but appear in good order
  • Impressive upgraded dashboard in Burr Walnut with original instruments
  • These are largely in good order, though we note the rev counter is poorly fitted 
  • Some light wear throughout
  • Light corrosion to the air-conditioning switch mounting, which has lost some casing
  • Fitted with a Mountney steering wheel and a GT gear knob
  • Headlining and carpet in good order 
  • Underneath the carpets, the floor appears to be in good, solid order
  • The vendor notes that the rev counter isn’t working correctly
  • The other dials, indicators and heaters all seem to work well
  • The electrics seem to be a little intermittent, which may be an earth issue
  • The boot appears to be solid with no major faults 




The Exterior 

  • Originally painted in Bronze Yellow, which can still be seen in the engine bay and gutters
  • Now finished in a deep metallic blue
  • Bodywork in fair condition, with some light dings and dents
  • The paintwork has worn, due to the car being used as a bit of a shelf whilst in storage
  • Light scratches and microblistering can be spotted here and there
  • The car is carrying wider arches, and an all-chrome, debadged grille
  • Chromework is carrying some light pitting and corrosion but appears solid
  • Original side-stripes display well
  • Car is sitting on 12” Minilites which are in fair condition
  • Tyres are fairly old with light cracking, but do have plenty of tread
  • The car’s underside is reassuringly solid, with very little signs of corrosion - a rarity for a Mini of the era, and should get any enthusiast rather excited...!




The Mechanics 

  • Powered by the much-sought-after 1275GT A-Series I4 engine
  • 4-speed manual transmission
  • HIF38 Carburettors
  • Brakes are AP Racing upgraded on the front
  • Fitted with a loud mid-exit exhaust
  • Recently fitted with:
    • New rotor arm
    • New coil
    • Distributor cap
    • HT leads
    • New spark plugs
  • Engine bay appears to be in good order, with some glimpses of the original paint
  • The car reportedly starts well and idles nicely, though does stutter slightly when accelerating
  • The vendor as a result recommends giving it a tune-up and thorough inspection 

Summary

While this is hardly a Concours Mini, it’s certainly a very solid one - and should make for a superb addition to any garage. It’s the perfect restoration project, and with its very sought-after spec, should really turn heads. 

Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1978
  • Make Leyland
  • Model Mini 1275GT
  • Colour Blue
  • Odometer 54,328 Miles
  • Engine size 1275
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Merthyr Tydfil
  • Location Wales
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
12 bids from 6 bidders
  • sl•••• £7,000 06/06/23
  • Jo•••• £6,500 06/06/23
  • MF•••• £6,350 05/06/23
  • Jo•••• £6,100 05/06/23
  • sl•••• £6,000 05/06/23
  • Jo•••• £5,500 04/06/23
  • Da•••• £5,000 04/06/23
  • MF•••• £4,800 04/06/23
  • Da•••• £4,300 04/06/23
  • MF•••• £3,000 02/06/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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