15 replies to this topic

[BEN99W]

Ive not long bought a 1969 Mini 850 (well actually its my wifes car, but its me doing the working on it) and Im trying to get information on what it would have originally looked like as there have probably been a number of alterations over the years.

 

Historical pics  of Minis all seem to focus on the Cooper models and as these didn't didn't adopt the mk3 body until the early 70s there isn't much on the very early mk3s. I also get the impression that some of the spec was maybe inconsistent from factory?

 

Does anyone have images of 69 mk3 mini 850 inside and out please ?

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[mab01uk]

Early (non-Cooper S) Mk3 Minis 1000/850 are now rare and sought after in standard original condition.

 

Mini Mk3 Range Brochure 1972:-

http://www.minipassi... range 1972.pdf

 

Mini Mk3 Range Brochure 1973:-

http://www.minipassi... range 1973.pdf

 

Lots more Mini brochures here:-

http://www.minipassi...s/brochures.htm

Edited by mab01uk, 14 December 2020 - 09:34 AM.

[blacktulip]

I don't have any images but from what I (think) is that an early mk3 850 should have a magic wand gear stick and a Speedo clock on its own.

[MiniCarJack]

I briefly owned a Mk3 850 a little while ago, it was a 1974 so it had the updated square tunnel with a rod change gearbox, as mentioned above a '69 to '73 car would have the round tunnel and magic wand gear change instead. Single gauge centre binnacle rather than the more common 3-pod setup, and a very "spartan" interior compared to later cars with no eyeball vents, there's something really charming about a really simple early car like this. This particular car didn't even have door mirrors fitted so I doubt they were a standard factory item for 850s, probably a retrofit dealer accessory if they were added at all.

 

[BEN99W]

Early (non-Cooper S) Mk3 Minis 1000/850 are now rare and sought after in standard original condition.

 

etc

 

Thanks for this - it's useful to be able to see early brochures, although one forgets how much things have moved on in terms of photography and image presentation. They only give a partial image, but still very helpful. In particular I wasn't sure if overriders should be fitted or not - looks like they weren't standard. 

 

Ours is a G plate registered in April 1969 which if the reg document is correct means it predates the launch date for the mk3. Im inclined to think it is either a press car or other preproduction model although have no means of proving yet.

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[BEN99W]

Early (non-Cooper S) Mk3 Minis 1000/850 are now rare and sought after in standard original condition.

 

etc

 

Sorry - duplicate post

Edited by BEN99W, 14 December 2020 - 02:39 PM.

[MiniCarJack]

Just found this old link I'd saved a while back for a 1970 Mini 850 which was up for sale, has some really great quality photos which could be handy for reference. https://www.911box.c...land-mini-850/ 

[BEN99W]

Ours has had 5 or 6 extra gauges added and also has been fitted with a remote gear lever - Im trying to decide whether reverting to the original single gauge and magic wand gear change would be preferable. After all these are technically improvements....

 

cheers

 

Ben

[blacktulip]

I'll be getting another mk3 next year at some point if I can find one

[imack]

A 69 mk3 850 would have been pretty similar to the photo above but there would have been a few differences.
Toggle switches, switch panel mounted ignition switch, mk2 column cowl, magic wand gear lever, rubber mat floor covering, not carpets. Washer pump to the left of the steering column, possibly a plastic heater box - my mates 69 850 had one.
I've never seen a mk3 on a 69 G plate before, my mates was on a 69 H plate, it had inboard mk2 style bonnet hinges and a double skinned mk2 boot lid as well.
I love a mk3, my own car is the very last of the late 72 round tunnel Mk3's.
Have also owned a 71 850, 71 clubman estate and a rough 69 1275GT.

Edited by imack, 14 December 2020 - 07:30 PM.

[BEN99W]

Just found this old link I'd saved a while back for a 1970 Mini 850 which was up for sale, has some really great quality photos which could be handy for reference. https://www.911box.c...land-mini-850/ 

 

Thanks, but unfortunately that link doesn't work for me?

[BEN99W]

Many thanks for all the help here.

 

It looks like a fair bit of extras have been added to our car.  I don't think it would be possible to return it to totally original spec as Im sure some bits are forever lost.

 

Some aspects will definitely be staying: minilites, some unusual arches and cobra cub seats and door cards. Some bits will definitely be going: cooper stripes, centre console, spot lights and stereo. 

 

Some aspects Im undecided about. Having always liked gauges I find it hard to bring myself to pull out the extra ones that have been added. They can provide useful warnings, but they are probably adding potential breakdown issues too. Then there's the gear lever - it struggles dropping down into 3rd as it is, so I wonder if a magic wand would only make the change worse. Ill have to take a closer look at the mechanism to make sure it's A1 before deciding.

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[mab01uk]

Personally having had magic wand Mini's back in the day they are not great and the Mk3 Mini magic wand was worse because the later four syncro gearbox had an 'adapted' remote diff housing for the magic wand lever which was much more hit and miss than the original 3 syncro set up (see below) especially with any wear. I would keep the remote change in any Mk3 850, the Mini 1000 Mk3 had a remote change anyway.

 

Magic Wand With 4 Synchro Remote Gearbox:-

https://www.theminif...remote-gearbox/

Edited by mab01uk, 15 December 2020 - 08:13 PM.

[62S]

Ours is a G plate registered in April 1969 which if the reg document is correct means it predates the launch date for the mk3. Im inclined to think it is either a press car or other preproduction model although have no means of proving yet.
 
Cheers
 
Ben

I admire your optimism, and it is possible the V5C has an error, but fear that you may not have bought wisely. Do you any pictures of your car?

[BEN99W]

 

Ours is a G plate registered in April 1969 which if the reg document is correct means it predates the launch date for the mk3. Im inclined to think it is either a press car or other preproduction model although have no means of proving yet.
 
Cheers
 
Ben

I admire your optimism, and it is possible the V5C has an error, but fear that you may not have bought wisely. Do you any pictures of your car?

 

 

Its been tucked away in the garage since buying it, so don't have photos of it yet. I can grab some close ups in the garage though. Which parts of the car would you want to see?