Seller willing to deliver it to Barcelona free of charge
The Appeal
It takes a level of Mini-nerdery to know about Authi, the joint venture that British Leyland entered into in Spain in the seventies, and its locally produced version of the staple British classic. Their 1275GT didn’t adopt the Clubman front end that we got in the UK and it’s this version whose look this comprehensive restoration is modelled on.
With a total spend of over £25,000, this car is the product of a labour of love. Starting life as a 998cc Spanish-registered car, it was completely rebuilt with an all new interior and £7,000-worth of fast road tuned engine.
The end product is a credit to its owner who, just 5,800km later, is reluctantly parting with it. This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a one off Mini in fabulous condition and we’re confident that the winning bidder will have a whale of a time behind the wheel. IMG_2155.JPG101.65 KB
The History and Paperwork
Bought in Spain as a 998cc Authi Mini
In the owner’s family for 12 years
Restored in the UK 2016-2017 with comprehensive photographic record
Body completely stripped, sandblasted and acid dipped
Replaced panels as needed with Heritage parts
Total spend over £25,000 with more than £7,000 spent on the engine alone
Specification includes:
Craft Classics “Road Race” engine (1078cc) with Cooper crankshaft & 1275 cylinder head (MED RS camshaft), high compression pistons (Omega forged pistons), forged con-rods and lightweight flywheel assembly, twin 1.1/2 inch SU carbs
Dyno’d at 78hp @ 6000rpm, but would go higher up to 7000rpm
Aluminium dual core radiator
Stainless steel air pipes from front grille to feed the carburetors
Ceramic coated exhaust manifold
Straight through 3 inch exhaust
X-pin differential
Cooper S hubs/front discs (servo) and rear vented drums
Two sets of wheels: 5 Original D1 Dunlops (refurbished & diamond cut). 5 Force racing lightweight racing wheels, new in 2017
Original subframes which have been blasted and powder coated black
Completely new interior from Newton Commercial in the UK, including seventies-style bucket seats and Motolita suede steering wheel
High gloss black roof
Louvred bonnet
Spare standard bonnet still in bubble wrap
Chromed stainless bumpers and grill
Garage stored since restoration under custom cover (included with the car)
While the louvred bonnet and the racy wheels hint at this Mini’s road race specification, when you open the door and see the seventies style buckets and clock the auxiliary rev counter, then you really get a sense of the intent of this build.
Having seen relatively little usage since its completion, the interior remains in almost as new condition with no signs of usage anywhere. The seats and carpets are unmarked and the headlining is clean and taut. The three spoke suede steering wheel is still fresh and all of the dials, buttons and switches work.
Concealed under the dash is a Vintage radio which has a period look but packs modern internals and includes Bluetooth. In the boot it’s all clean and tidy too. In summary, there’s nothing to do inside before setting off to enjoy a drive.Screenshot 2022-02-13 at 20.27.27.png554.39 KB
The Exterior
Bare metal respray in white under gloss black
Louvred bonnet
Two sets of pristine wheels
Although now five years since the completion of the restoration, the car has been stored in a garage under a custom cover for much of that time and so the paintwork remains in tip top condition. It’s managed to avoid any dents or scratches during its limited use and, although there may be one or two minor stone chips, you’d have to look very hard to spot them.
The car has been set up to run in two configurations: winter and summer, with a set of wheels and a bonnet (louvred and standard) for each. In practice, the winter bonnet has not been deployed however and remains wrapped in bubble wrap.
The seller reports that the underside is still very clean and free from corrosion and, with powder coated subframes, should be more resistant to the elements than most. Overall, this is one Mini that is bound to turn heads.IMG_1278.jpg109.59 KB
The Mechanics
Road race spec engine build
Limited slip differential
Cooper S front disc brakes and vented rear drums
The spec sheet for the engine in this car is a dream for any fast Mini fan, as well it should be given the substantial bill for the work! Although cosmetically based on a 1275GT and badged as such, the owner chose to stick with the original engine block to maintain the matching numbers and so it has a capacity of 1078cc, though with an output that belies its size.
As it was designed to be used in the warmer climes of Spain, cooling was an important consideration which explains the bonnet louvres and white ceramic coated exhaust manifolds and also the inclusion of high flow water and oil pumps.
Starting is no problem due to a high torque starter motor and although the aggressive cams make it a bit lumpy in traffic, the owner reports that between 3 and 7,000 rpm it simply flies.
The straight through 3 inch exhaust makes all the right noises and the handling is very sweet, according to the owner, who thinks it would excel on a track, though he hasn’t tried it. This is clearly a Mini built to be driven and will surely deliver many smiles per gallon for the next owner.IMG_1295.jpg114.37 KB
Summary
A beautifully specced and well executed fast road Mini that is in prime condition and will be sorely missed.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
