Austuin Mini 1275 GT (1969-80)
Production Total: The production total of the **Austin Mini 1275 GT** was **110,673 units** worldwide. This model was produced from October 1969 to August 1980.
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Price New: In 1969, the **Austin Mini 1275 GT** was priced at around **£595** in the UK. This was a sportier and more powerful version of the standard Mini, and it offered good value for its performance and features.
To understand what £595 in 1969 equates to in 2025, we can use an inflation calculator. According to the Bank of England's inflation calculator, £595 in 1969 would be approximately **£10,230** in 2025 due to inflation over the years.
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Rivals: In 1969, the main rivals of the **Austin Mini 1275 GT** in the UK included the **Mini Cooper S** and the **Ford Escort GT**. Here are their approximate prices: -
**Mini Cooper S**: Around **£650**
**Ford Escort GT**: Around **£600**
These cars were popular choices for those seeking sporty and stylish compact cars.
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Recorded in UK 2025 As of early 2025, there are approximately **119 Austin Mini 1275 GT cars** still on the road in the UK. The number has been steadily decreasing over the years, reflecting the challenges of maintaining and preserving classic cars.
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COMMON FAULTS
The **Austin Mini 1275 GT** is a beloved classic, but like any car, it has its share of common faults and issues. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems:
1. **Electrical Issues**: The wiring in older Minis can be prone to wear and corrosion, leading to various electrical problems, including issues with the lights, indicators, and ignition system.
2. **Rust**: The Mini's bodyshell is susceptible to rust, especially in areas like the sills, wheel arches, and around the rear window.
3. **Suspension Wear**: The suspension components, including the rubber cones and dampers, can wear out over time and may need replacing.
4. **Engine Problems**: The A-series engine can suffer from issues such as oil leaks, worn piston rings, and head gasket failures.
5. **Gearbox Issues**: The gearbox can experience problems like worn synchromesh, difficulty in shifting gears, and clutch wear.
6. **Brake Wear**: The braking system, particularly the drum brakes, can wear out and may require attention to ensure safe stopping power.
7. **Fuel System**: The carburettor and fuel lines can become clogged or corroded, leading to fuel delivery issues.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help keep your Mini in good condition.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The **Austin Mini 1275 GT** was produced in a single generation from **1969 to 1980**. However, it did undergo some updates and changes during its production run.
As for trim levels, the **1275 GT** was primarily offered in one main trim level, but it did have some variations based on market and model year. For example, early models featured **10-inch Rostyle alloy wheels** and **7.5-inch Cooper 'S' disc brakes**, while later models from **1974 onwards** came with **12-inch wheels** and **8.4-inch disc brakes**.
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Engine
The **Austin Mini 1275 GT** was powered by a **1.3-liter (1275 cc) inline-4 engine**. This engine produced **57 horsepower (58 PS / 43 kW)** at 5500 rpm and **69 lb-ft (94 Nm) of torque** at 3000 rpm. It was a naturally aspirated engine with a single SU carburettor.
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Performance
The **Austin Mini 1275 GT** offered respectable performance for its time, especially considering its small size and engine capacity. Here are some key performance figures:
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 90 mph (145 km/h)
- **0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) Acceleration**: Around 13 seconds
- **Power Output**: 57 horsepower (58 PS / 43 kW)
- **Torque**: 69 lb-ft (94 Nm) at 3000 rpm
The Mini 1275 GT was known for its nimble handling and fun-to-drive nature, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. Its performance was well-suited for urban driving and spirited country road excursions.
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Rivals
The main rivals of the **Austin Mini 1275 GT** in 1969 included the **Mini Cooper S** and the **Ford Escort GT**. Here's a comparison of their performance:
### **Austin Mini 1275 GT**
- **Engine**: 1.3-liter (1275 cc) inline-4
- **Power Output**: 57 horsepower (58 PS / 43 kW)
- **Torque**: 69 lb-ft (94 Nm) at 3000 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 90 mph (145 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Around 13 seconds
### **Mini Cooper S**
- **Engine**: 1.3-liter (1275 cc) inline-4
- **Power Output**: 76 horsepower (77 PS / 57 kW)
- **Torque**: 90 lb-ft (122 Nm) at 4000 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 95 mph (153 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Around 11 seconds
### **Ford Escort GT**
- **Engine**: 1.6-liter (1598 cc) inline-4
- **Power Output**: 88 horsepower (90 PS / 66 kW)
- **Torque**: 93 lb-ft (126 Nm) at 3000 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 100 mph (161 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Around 10 seconds
The **Mini Cooper S** offered slightly better performance compared to the **Austin Mini 1275 GT**, while the **Ford Escort GT** had a more powerful engine and higher top speed. Each of these cars had its own unique appeal and catered to different preferences in terms of performance and driving experience.
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Designer/Dimensions
The **Austin Mini 1275 GT** was designed by **Roy Haynes**, an ex-Ford designer. He gave the Mini a sportier look with a restyled front end, featuring a squarer nose, bumper-to-bumper grille section, and larger headlights.
Here are the dimensions of the Austin Mini 1275 GT:
- **Length**: 3181 mm (125.2 inches)
- **Width**: 1410 mm (55.5 inches)
- **Height**: 1346 mm (53 inches)
- **Wheelbase**: 2038 mm (80.2 inches)
- **Curb Weight**: 655 kg (1444 lbs)
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Spares/Specialists NI
For locating spares for the **Austin Mini 1275 GT** in the UK and Ireland, here are a few options:
1. **M&Ms Classic Mini Spares**: Located at Bank Quay Trading Estate in Warrington, UK. They offer a wide range of parts and accessories for classic Minis.
2. **Bull Motif Mini Spares**: They have a comprehensive catalog of parts and accessories for the 1275 GT model.
3. **ANG Classic Car Parts**: Based in Nottingham, UK, they supply quality new and used parts for classic Minis.
For garage services in Northern Ireland, you can consider:
1. **Charles Hurst Fast Fit**: Located on Sydenham Road in Belfast, they offer a range of services including tyres, servicing, and wheel balancing.
2. **Bavarian MINI Belfast**: They provide expert servicing and maintenance for classic Minis, including the 1275 GT.
3. **Mini Medics**: Specializing in Mini restoration and servicing, they can handle repairs, upgrades, and MOT preparations.
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Racing
The **Austin Mini 1275 GT** did compete in racing, although it wasn't as prominent in motorsport as its sibling, the **Mini Cooper S**. The 1275 GT was primarily designed as a sportier road car, but it still participated in various club-level racing events and rallies. Its nimble handling and relatively powerful engine made it a competitive choice for amateur racers and enthusiasts.
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Valuation
The value of an **Austin Mini 1275 GT** in 2025 can vary depending on its condition, mileage, and originality. On average, a well-maintained example can be worth around **£12,214**. However, prices can range from as low as **£6,187** for cars in average condition to as high as **£40,250** for exceptionally well-preserved or rare models.
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Clubs
Yes, there are several **Austin Mini 1275 GT owners clubs** in Northern Ireland. Here are a few you might consider:
1. **South Down Mini Owners Club**: Based in Downpatrick, this club organizes events and meets for Mini enthusiasts.
2. **East Coast Minis**: Located in Bangor, they offer a range of activities and support for Mini owners.
3. **Causeway Coast Mini Club**: Situated in Portrush, this club is another great option for Mini enthusiasts in Northern Ireland.
These clubs provide a great way to connect with other Mini owners, share tips, and participate in events. *****