Nice looking rare 1275cc SPI auto..........but owner says few buyers in UK seem interested because most enthusiasts want a manual.
Would this auto trans Mini sell better in the US perhaps?

http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/classi...ct/12794/cat/7

http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums...c=161405&st=15

Bodyshell Refurbishment pics:
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums...c=94169&st=180

 

I see quite a few for sale on MiniMania too, I doubt I'd be interested in an automatic Mini either, even tho it had a pretty decent 4 speed in an era when most cars had 2 or 3 speed autoboxes.............

 

I like my automatic Mini....doesn't shift very smooth but other than that it runs good. LOL hard to find parts for it though

 

Well ... to quote Mel Gibson from Braveheart ... I'm going to pick a fight.

I don't believe four cylinder engines and automatic transmissions belong under the same hood. And that goes double for a four-banger putting out less than 100 horses.

 

Obviously you haven't driven a classic mini......but I'll put my mini up against anything you have as long as I get to pick the track......

as for the automatics they have good torque but do shift a little hard. The main reason people don't buy automatics, is that there is no one that make the parts for it anymore (besides the oil filter), so when it goes out either you get another mini or convert to manual as all the pieces are still available for it.....the one I own ('83 1000cc city automatic) worked very well but i wanted more of a street/track use mini, so I sold it on and the current owner still enjoys it to this day.

 

No offense meant, just trying, unsuccessfully as usual, to be funny. Actually, I have driven a classic and was so impressed that I just bought one.

It drove GREAT, right up until the moment the lower radiator hose burst.

Oh, well ... I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't trust myself with tools.

When you consider power to weight ratio, an automatic in one of these probably makes more sense than many heavier cars, performance-wise.

 

no offense taken.......automatics are for those who like to enjoy just a cruise thru the countryside where as most of those who have manuals such as myself like to push it to see how it goes.........enjoy

 

manual transmissions....they are for the birds......
Philip