Highlights

Only 67 miles showing on the odometer
Recent ground up rebuild
Most interior components are new
Numerous mechanical upgrades
Original owner documentation retained
Not for the fainthearted

The Appeal

Intended as a replacement for the iconic Mini Cooper, the Mini 1275GT was a controversial yet successful high-performance version of British Leyland’s smallest car. This particular example was manufactured in 1978, though very little of the original car remains after a loving programme of restoration and upgrades.

Finished in Astral metallic orange paint with black diamond-pattern trim across its Mazda MX-5-sourced seats, this 1275GT positively bristles with modernity. There’s LED footwell lighting, drilled metal handles, obp racing pedals and a nine-dial instrumentation display. In the centre of the replacement fabric dashboard, a carbon-fibre panel places a period light switch and choke either side of a modern start/stop button. No wonder the current owner describes this car as attracting lots of attention.

The engine is this car’s undoubted centrepiece. Refurbished at a cost of around £15,000, a 1293cc four-cylinder turbocharged unit distributes its power through a four-speed manual gearbox. The tyres have heat dissipation dimples to optimise the 1275GT’s already legendary dry-weather handling, and the eight-spoke Dunlop alloy wheels are one of numerous upgrades.

Despite a comprehensive programme of modernisation, original details have been retained like the Austin Morris car number plaque and the Seventies Mini front grille badge. The next owner will even acquire torque and HP diagnostic data, the original Mini handbook with BL’s flying-plughole logo, and a certificate from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust confirming the car’s provenance.

Key information

Mileage: 67 (as displayed)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt
Technical specs: Four-cylinder turbocharged engine, KAD four-pot front brakes
Paperwork: BMIHT certificate, original owners handbook, DYNOmite test results

The Detail

Over £15,000 spent on engine overhaul
Routinely stored in a garage
KAD four-pot front brakes
Well-presented chromework throughout
Replacement seats, dash and door cards
Carpets and floor mats also replaced
Nine-dial dash and modern CD stereo
Drilled metal steering wheel and handles
Aluminium racing fuel tank in the boot

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

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