Background
On 21 January 1964, the Mini Cooper S won the Monte Carlo Rally for the first time. There were 71 works minis built and used over a short 10 year period until closure of the works department in 1970.
The Mini 1275 GT introduced in 1969 was the spiritual successor to early Cooper performance Minis and, while they were built alongside each other for 3 years, in 1971, the torch was passed to the 1275GT as the only performance model in the Mini range. Through the introduction of the 1275GT, rally and racing Minis continued to thrive and be competitive well into the 1980s.
Cyril Bolton drove the Mini Sport car(s) during the early to mid-1970’s and was very competitive.
In 1975 he finished 4th overall in the Motoring News Championship in the 1380 Mini. A fantastic result considering that the champion that year was in a Ford RS2000 with a Datsun 240Z in 2nd and another Escort in 3rd.
Supported by Mini Sport when it was owned by Brian Harper that Mini was really on-the-pace.
This Car
Not a works car, this car was built to correct Group 5 specification spec and has livery based on a Cyril Bolton stage car from 1977/78. The car was originally rallied in the UK in the 1970’s but was brought back from Ireland by the current owner and underwent a full restoration.
Technical Specification
Engine: MED lightened and balanced 1293cc with 11 stud head.
Induction system: 45 DCOE Webber
Transmission: Straight cut Dogbox with LSD.
Brakes: Disc brakes with carbon metallic pads
Suspension: Coil overs