Mini 1275GT (1969 - 1980)

Introduction

Seeking to save money, British Leyland replaced the Mini-Cooper with an uprated version of the Mini Clubman. However, just as the blunt-fronted Clubman lacked the character of the original Mini, so the 1275GT was a disappointment compared with the Cooper, with only a single-carburettor 1275cc engine of 59bhp.

It wasn’t that bad a car, with front disc brakes and more sophisticated equipment inside, and at least it stood out more than other Minis with its Rostyle wheels and decals. And it did see the introduction of the three-pack instrument cluster that ended up being used in all Minis to production end in 2000.

• More on the Clubman and 1275GT at AROnline