Mini 1275 GT

[Quinny1293]

So, it happened that i saw on a fellow Mini enthusiasts post on Facebook last year, that someone is considering selling his 1971 1275 GT. It took me almost 4 months to convince him to sell it to me, as someone from the UK was about to buy it and export it there, unfortunately that deal fell through due to the whole Covid issue and that meant, i was able to purchase it from the buyer. It is a family owned car, the brother bought it new in 1971 and then the previous owner bought it from him in the 80's.






 
Unfortunately the interior isn't original and back in the late 90's it had a blow over in paint. The bootlid needs replacing as it has a lot of body filler on it that over the years, started cracking.The engine bay is quite original, but unfortunately had suffered a blown head gasket, so that was the first thing that got some attention.


 
 
 I changed the head, the carb was just given a proper clean, replated screws and a new spindle and service kit was put it. For now just want to get it running nicely again.


 
I've managed to find a NOS MK! bootlid replacement, as in SA they came out with a MK1 bootlid and not a clubman one, still unsure i want to use it though. Still has the sticker from supplier.




Next is new tires to be fitted hopefully this week and then I'll take it for a drive around to see if it all in order.

Lastly, my favorite picture of my 2 cars together so far.



Thanks for checking my thread.

[Quinny1293]

So managed to finally give the engine bay a clean and made a nice difference to the car. Next it will be to fit the new tires.

[Quinny1293]

And a little more of an update, i managed to get home early enough to fit new tyres to the GT. 

[Quinny1293]

so managed to get a small Minispares order in of new suspension items needed and had a disc set of hubs and some tie rods and lower control arms that was laying around, so decided to refurb those and get them ready for just a swop over when everything is ready.



 
I've since put most things back on and only need to put the discs back on and do wheel alignment. Hopefully i can do that this afternoon.

Discs and pads are practically brand new, so thats a bonus.

[Quinny1293]

So managed to get home and get some work done on the GT. Just need to torque the nuts up and its all done. 
 
This is before.

 
This is after some love.
 

 

[Quinny1293]

So this weekend i finally took the GT for its first drive. 
 
Day started off with a good old wash and then tried to polish a bit of the bonnet and then the roof and it will definitely get a hand polish soon, came out looking quite good.
 
Drive went well, car didn't get hot at all and didn't miss a beat. Engine mounts are next on the card for replacement. 
 
Also checked behind the rear seat and seems original color would be Protea White roof and Blaze Red perhaps?
 





 
Also very happy that all lights work in the back as well.
 

[Quinny1293]

Haven't done much on the GT lately unfortunately. Been hunting for a set of door panels, which would at least be a bit more period correct and recently lucky enough to find a complete red set. Sadly, the drivers side door panel is in bad condition, but at least it looks a lot better than the ugly recovered things that were on there.

               

Next up is getting some of the paint sorted and planning some upgrades to the motor. 

I have a set of twin su carbs i will be rebuilding and will put a nice LCB on. Will see if funds allow it, but want to get a head that will be ported and bigger valves fitted to just add a little bit of breathing power, at the moment it is bog standard and a little slow for my liking.

[Quinny1293]

I haven't done much on the GT unfortunately and with me starting my studies, i don't think there will be much done either.

But someone in school asked me if they can borrow my GT for their wedding, so i decided to wash and polish it over the weekend to get it ready for them on Friday.

   
   

Had the GT and GTS out next to each other, lovely little pair of cars.

   

[Quinny1293]

So managed to get the GT out and ran faultlessly and was so nice driving it. Some photos i took at the wedding.
 

[Steam]

Neat GT. Well done on a considered resto.
I notice you hve switched out the steel specials for minilites. I have both here in aus but the lites are 12 inch.
The two cars together look great.