1980 Leyland Mini 1275 GTS

Registration No: EWN 133V
Chassis No: 5013283
MOT: December 2022

• Rare performance model engineered and built by Leyland South Africa (essentially a 1275GT with a Cooper S engine)
• Notably late example of the 4,212 made
• Treated to an extensive 'nut and bolt' restoration from May 2020 - July 2021 incorporating numerous upgrades
• Engine enlarged to 1360cc with 'Big Valve' 11-stud cylinder head, DY camshaft, Weber carb and roller tip rockers etc

Introduced on July 26^th 1973, the Mini GTS was marketed in its native South Africa with slogans such as: ‘For little old ladies, it ain’t’ and ‘Designed like a Cooper. Built by Leyland’. Essentially a Clubman 1275 GT powered by a Cooper S engine, the performance flagship achieved considerable success in the Asseng Group 1 and Castrol Marketcars Standard Production Championships. Never available new outside South Africa, just 4,212 are thought to have been made before production ceased in March 1980 despite CAR (SA) magazine hailing the GTS as ‘the most exciting Mini ever built’.

A notably late example, chassis 5013238 is said to have been treated to an extensive ‘nut and bolt’ restoration and upgrade programme from May 2020 to July 2021. According to an accompanying specification sheet, the diminutive four-seater had its correct-type engine enlarged via an offset bore and 1360 Hypolite pistons. The four-cylinder unit is also understood to boast a ‘Giant’ fully ported/gas-flowed large valve cylinder head, DY camshaft, Weber 36DCD carburettor, Maniflow LCB exhaust branch manifold, aluminium radiator, roller tip rockers, performance pushrods and new bearings throughout etc. Finished in Pearlescent White with Black upholstery and authentic GTS graphics, the Mini was reportedly further enhanced via the addition of front and rear adjustable Hi-Lo suspension, Gaz adjustable shock absorbers all-round, dimpled/grooved front disc brakes (with uprated Green Stuff brake pads), aluminium pedals, LED headlights and a Piano Black dashboard. Riding on 13-inch Minilite-style alloys shod with Yokohama tyres and sound-proofed front to rear, chassis 5013238 was initially purchased by the vendor for competition use. A keen rally driver, he got the Mini MOT tested and UK road registered as ‘EWN 133V’ before deciding that it was too nice to thrash on forest and gravel stages! Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737