Registration - DWV 975V

Chassis No. - XE2D2-603458A

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 70,000

Here we have an exceedingly handsome square-nosed Mini that was restored around there years ago. The work apparently included an engine rebuild, replacement rear subframe and a respray in the original colour of Java Green. More recently a new exhaust manifold, Borg & Beck clutch, and 10-inch front brake conversion have been installed. The car rides on a tidy set of Minilite-style alloy wheels shod with Yokohama Advan A032R tyres, and the vendor describes the underneath of the car as being ‘as clean as the top’. The tan striped cloth interior trim is original.

‘At last – a comfortable Mini’ was Motor magazine’s take on the 1275 GT/Clubman at its introduction in 1969. The saloon version of the newcomer had been penned by ex-Ford stylist Roy Haynes as a replacement for the Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet, while the related estate car was intended to succeed the established Countryman and Traveller. However, a change of plan saw both round and square nosed Minis produced concurrently, until the Clubman/1275 GT range gave way to the Metro in 1980. There were pros and cons to the alternative design – its longer nose offered far better crash protection and infinitely superior under-bonnet access. It was also an altogether better equipped car, but was inevitably more expensive and also aerodynamically inferior to the classic 1959 option. A total of 110,673 1275 GTs and 275,583 Clubman saloons were produced all told.