Description
1971 ‘K’-registered, Mini Cooper ‘S’-engined MG 1300 Mk II 2-door– Original, RHD; ‘S’ engine factory-fitted when built, subsequently unmodified: Is this unique?
- Fitted when built, authentication certificate to prove - with high-performance Mini Cooper ‘S’ “12H’ - 11 stud engine rather than the catalogued “12G” – 9 stud engine, and I believe, fitted with ‘S’-type gearbox.
This high-performance, “12H” ‘thick-walled block is more suited for modification, likewise, the 11-stud cylinder head suited for raised compression ratio, enabling a reliable 100-plus bhp tuning. - But this example is standard, unmolested, never used in competitions, with period extras including an AIWA cassette player – twin Lucas driving lamps, wing (not door) mirrors, and reversing lights – owned by current registered keeper for 36 years and has lived a very sheltered life – (see further details below).
- How come this anomaly of an MG 1300 fitted with a Cooper ‘S’ engine within the original build specification?
Of all the BMC / BLMC ‘A‘-series engine variants, only one model was catalogued with the high-performance ‘H’, 11-stud engine; the 1275cc. Mini Cooper ‘S’, upon which production ceased in June 1971. The lower-performance, 1275 GT, produced throughout the decade from 1970 to 1980 has the customary 9-stud engine.
Plausible explanation upon why this late, August 1971 MG 1300 (assembled 18th-20th August) was fitted with the ‘H’, 11- stud, high performance engine: - Cooper ‘S’ production ceased June 1971; MG 1300 production was scheduled to cease 31 August 1971. – Surplus, ‘H’, 11-stud engines: What to do with them? The logical answer may appear to be, “Fit them to the 1275 GT”, but with 1275 GT only commenced less than two years previously, and set to continue for almost a decade, this would result in disgruntled later owners, once this surplus supply of ‘H’ engines was exhausted.
There is logic therefore that the surplus ‘S’ engines be fitted to the last / last few domestically assembled RHD MG 1300s produced for but two months beyond Cooper ‘S’ production - -This is speculation, but inquiry upon the MG Car Club and MG Owners Club FB pages elicited no better explanation.
So, there you have it: An intriguing anomaly, a late MG 1300, build-data evidences factory-fitted with the Cooper ‘S’ engine, shown within the Heritage Certificate.
Of this particular example: Owned for 36 years, V5C in the vendor’s name: Used for less than one year, then stored within domestic, attached, heated double garage (central heating boiler), pending fitment of new exhaust; a task never completed.
Original Midnight Blue paintwork in good, shiny order, save for over-indulgent application of red oxide primer to small areas of surface rust, primarily wheel arches and front valance. Sound original paintwork to floor, A-pillar / front inner wings; never welded.
Known corrosion weak points on the 1100 / 1300 range, usually found where front floor meets with the wheel arch and outer sills not evident on 'EMO'. Minor panel damage to OSR rear quarter panel and to chrome trim strip.
Interior trim in good condition; unworn. Vinyl material on all four seats are good and show little signs of general wear and tear. Headlining on the ceiling is in good condition.
The car has covered 95, 860 miles.
Original engine number, VIN number and chassis plates intact.
All four wheels retain air although do have visible cracks on sidewalls so not in roadworthy condition.
Car is mobile, can be conveniently loaded and transported.
First registered on 10th September 1971.
Would make a suitable classic show car once recommissioned to its former glory.
Has not run for 36 years.
Vehicle Documents include:
V5C in vendor’s name; acquired on 17th January 1988
Heritage Certificate
Tax Disc - expired 30th April 1988
MOT Certificate - issued 19th November 1987
Original Owners’ Handbook
MG Owners’ Club sticker (vendor a former member).
Price: £5, 200 but will accept sensible near offers.
Preferred payment either bank transfer or cash on collection.
Thank you!
