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One of two GT Clubmans built, 1971 Abingdon Special Tuning, Group 2

Started by 275 GTB-4 , May 25 2006 08:50

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8 replies to this topic

#1 275 GTB-4

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Posted 25 May 2006 - 08:50

Somebody please rescue this terrific item of preserved Mini History.

One of two GT Clubmans built in 1971 at Abingdon Special Tuning in the UK to Group 2 specs for NZ Motor Corporation to compete in the 1972 Heatway International Motor Rally.

http://www.trademe.c...on-57571267.htm

It is disappointing to read that the engine "has been dissassembled for inspection", the last time I saw this particular vehicle up close and personal it was wearing its Group 2 flares.

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#2 green-blood

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Posted 25 May 2006 - 10:48

Trust me I would if I could.

Hmmm postage to Ireland??

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#3 RS2000

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Posted 25 May 2006 - 16:25

Hmmm. "S motor, complete with crank".
Not allowed under Appendix J Group 2, as Clubman had different block (no tappet chamber covers) and more basic crank?

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#4 cosworth bdg

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Posted 05 June 2006 - 06:10

Originally posted by RS2000
Hmmm. "S motor, complete with crank".
Not allowed under Appendix J Group 2, as Clubman had different block (no tappet chamber covers) and more basic crank?

Under the australian Group N historic touring car reg's ,the clubman cyl block can be used to replace the COOPER"S " UNIT of the relivent period..

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#5 275 GTB-4

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Posted 05 June 2006 - 09:43

Originally posted by RS2000
Hmmm. "S motor, complete with crank".
Not allowed under Appendix J Group 2, as Clubman had different block (no tappet chamber covers) and more basic crank?

Hello RS...don't know where you are living...but...in Australia an "1100S" engine was a 1275cc with no side plates..so stronger than any Cooper block with side plates....this may be what they are referring to....why oh why didn't I check that when I was looking the car over :rolleyes:

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#6 RS2000

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Posted 05 June 2006 - 14:38

I was merely hinting at a few "in period" problems that BMC (or BLMC) Special Tuning got picked up on around then - like not fitting an FIA cage the first year one was mandated.
I wasn't commenting on current Historic use, just the spec they originally built them to. I think UK historics now also allow for different head etc. I actualy ran a 1300GT engine in an "S" in FIA Gp 2 rallying in period (same block I think but not same crank).
There were some bizarre twists to homologation then. A 998 Cooper had to be hydrolastic but if you badged it as a 998 Mini it could be "dry" and run homologated optional "S" brakes!

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#7 Catalina Park

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Posted 06 June 2006 - 09:39

In Australia the Clubman GT came with the Cooper S block and crank. So the if you wanted to run the "S" motor in a Clubman you just had to claim it was an Australian car. That creates another problem as the Australian Clubman has external door hinges! :cool:

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#8 cosworth bdg

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Posted 07 June 2006 - 03:38

The Clubman cyl block is Stronger unit than the Cooper 'S' unit & a lot more durable in the longer term ..........

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#9 FredF1

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Posted 07 June 2006 - 07:07

Originally posted by green-blood
Trust me I would if I could.

Hmmm postage to Ireland??

There's a 1976 reg Clubman just round the corner from me. Fat tyres, bucket seats and a gorgeous bronze paintjob.

I'm sure if you make the owner an offer he can't refuse........