Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Timed Online Auction - 10th April on Thursday the 10th of April. Background
In the days when rallying was as much about proving a car’s reliability as its speed, the 1970 Daily Mirror World Cup Rally was the ultimate test. Just 23 cars finished from nearly 100 starters, the slimmest percentage of all the original 'marathon' rallies. It was so named because the route would follow the direction of the Jules Rimet Trophy as the World Cup’s host city moved from London in 1966 to Mexico City in 1970, the trip was hardly direct, taking in much of western and central Europe and the length of South America on its 16, 000 mile journey.
A sole Mini took part in the World Cup Rally, with BL at that point having switched its sporting focus from the Cooper to the square-fronted 1275GT. Though fully Works supported, the Mini wasn’t expected to actually complete the rally, but BMC hoped it would lead the European sections, proving the new 1275GT’s speed (crucial, considering that it was a fair bit slower than the soon to be discontinued Cooper 'S') before inevitably dropping out in America. It didn’t even do that, however, after blowing its pistons in Yugoslavia due to poor fuel.
The Car
That car was originally built in 1988 and appears to faithfully replicate XJB 308H, British Leyland’s only Mini entry in the 1970 World Cup Rally. By 2009 it was ready for a bit of a refresh and long-established specialists, Mini Sport in Burnley, were selected for the task. There is a file with the car documenting the components used and costs and they are summarised below. The Mini has covered just 5, 000 miles since the build and has been regularly maintained.
Engine and Gearbox
Fully rebuilt in 2010 by Mini Sport and less than 4, 750 miles since
Longman cylinder head with ISKY valve springs
Avonbar forged rockers
New 1275 A-Series crankshaft nitrocarburised
Kent steel vernier duplex timing gears
Kent Meg rally camshaft
Balanced and polished rods
Competition centre main cap
Omega dished high compression pistons
High-capacity oil pump
Aldon race distributor
Tyler inlet manifold and Weber 40DCOE with a K&N filter
Maniflow large bore LCB manifold and full 1. 75" bore twin-box exhaust
Ultralight steel flywheel
Light steel backplate
AP ceramic paddle clutch centre plate with AP Grey diaphragm clutch
Body and Interior
Rebuilt and repainted by Minisport in 2009 (Tartan Red with an OEW roof)
Cross-drilled grooved discs and Cooper S calipers
Genuine 5x10" Minilites
Seam-welded and powder coated subframes (rear new in 2011)
Fully rewired with a custom loom in 2008
Monte Carlo Alloy Sumpguard
Full roll-cage including door bars
4-point harnesses (new 2014)
Moto-Lita Mk 4 suede covered wheel
Custom works replica dash - paperwork includes wiring diagrams
Works-type heated front screen
Brantz International 2 Tripmeter
Lifeline plumbed-in extinguisher plus a hand-held
Red Top 30 battery
70amp alternator
4 x Lucas 700 lights
This is a truly exceptional model and replica of a highly desirable mini, guided sensibly for any enthusiast.
Location: Somerset
Seller: Private
Photos: Professional
