Garage Find! Mark's Classic 1975 Mini 1275 GT: Cooper Replacement? - Classic Mini Workshop

Please consider subscribing to keep up to date with the latest videos and content. Thank you for the likes and comments, it is greatly appreciated
CMW online store - logothatpolo.c...
Want to offer a quick thank you? Have I helped you out, do you enjoy my videos? If you've ever thought, I'd buy that guy a beer. Now is your chance!
www.buymeacoff...
Today, we’re diving into the iconic Mini 1275 GT from 1975, owned by none other than Mark Draper. This little gem was British Leyland’s answer to the end of an era-the Classic Mini Cooper. When the Cooper line was discontinued in 1971, it left a big gap in the Mini lineup. British Leyland wanted a model that captured the Cooper’s sporty appeal but with a more budget-friendly production.
Enter the 1275 GT. It was meant to be a more accessible, performance-focused Mini, fitted with a 1275cc engine, hence the name. It wasn’t quite the high-revving Cooper, but it offered solid performance with a different vibe-think of it as a bridge between the classic economy Mini and the sporty Coopers of old. With its unique grille, square-nose design, and extra features, the 1275 GT was a bold move in the Mini family tree.
Today, we’re taking a close look at Mark's 1275 GT to see why it still captures the hearts of Mini enthusiasts everywhere.

[@edwardfothergill6156]

Love the detail on the door seals. Never seen that before! Another good one, thanks Mark.

[@markdraper7]

Thanks Edward! Yes, i haven't seen that detail much but love it. 😎

[@MiniMattTV]

Charles looks so good, the front arch to wheel gap is so low! Saying it’s gutless, maybe it could do with a foot tune up, it might surprise you, but comparing to your other cars it would always feel slow 😅

[@markdraper7]

Thanks Matt. It's settled a bit on the cones. Yes, i know and i should get it tuned, but wouldn't it look the nuts with a Swiftune Engine in it! 😄😉

[@popandcat9482]

Beautiful 1275 GT Mark. Sad that you've got to sell your van though.

[@markdraper7]

Thank you. I know, but someone might get to enjoy it rather than it being a museum piece.🙂

[@recreativesigns4571]

Timeless classic that one. 👍

[@HectorLawn]

Hi Mark, if memory serves me correctly the GT was a replacement for the standard 998 Cooper, not the Cooper S. The GT was introduced in 1969 when the Cooper production ended, while the Cooper S continued in production until 1971. Hence the power output of the GT is only about the same as a 998 Cooper. Lovely collection of Minis you have. Shame you’ve got to get rid of any of them.

[@markdraper7]

Hi Hector, you are correct. Thank you. Yes, if only Lucy would allow a garage extension, all would be well. 😅😂

[@peterdraper9595]

Love the details on the 1275gt interior good to see them uncovered mark great video Keith

[@nicholascox2577]

Hi Mark, Love your workshop tour. But your masterclass Cooper S Mk3 rebuild was superb. I had a 1275 Gt in Damask Red with Cobra supersets replacing the Dunlop Denovos - It was GCX 749 N. I also had a Glacier White 1275 GT HWH 340N on Denovos. My first Mini was a 1000 TFR 266J in Glacier White then a Clubman in Bronze Yellow EMB360K. Very much enjoy you & Keith's channel. Regards Nic

[@markdraper7]

Thanks Nic, Really appreciate that! 😊 The Damask red is the best colour for a GT i think. I think mine was a changeover year so didn't have the Denovos, thank fully. Thank you, it means a lot that you do, makes it worth sharing what we do. Keith is 100 times better with videos, i really struggle with talking and not saying 'erm'. 🤣

[@rbirdi900]

Mark - episode 2 you asked which one is best/liked the most. one can say you have probably (and Keith) the best personal collection of the most desireable Mini's.. you just need to drive them all ->😎

[@markdraper7]

it's so hard to choose, isn't it! I will aim to get them all out next year.😎

[@paulrobinson3528]

Oh, a mid week video. Not sure how much i'll remember of this, had a training day today!

[@markdraper7]

Caught you out and not 1st, tut tut. 😂

[@paulrobinson3528]

@@markdraper7 It did & Recreationsigns is no where to be seen 🤣

[@darrensrestorations991]

I highly recommend contacting AC Dodd for tuning on the 1275GT. You may be surprised by how well it can be made to run without taking the engine out and doing all the tuning work.

[@markdraper7]

That's a consideration to look at Darren! 🙂

[@scottsuter3451]

The 1275 is fantastic. Classic mid 70s motor. Can just imagine mum,dad and 2 kids going on holiday in it in 1976, all sweating like hell on those vinyl seats and covered in ladybirds. 😂

[@markdraper7]

Thanks Scott. 🤣Oooh yeah, hottest summer too!😅

[@KavanOBrien]

Charles and Eddy sorry have no idea about that , I think you love all the minis really , yes I like the wheels , not seen that type of mini before,

[@markdraper7]

It's a pop duo from the 90's, one hit wonder type of group. I love all my minis, it really did become an obsession Kavan! 🙂

[@KavanOBrien]

@@markdraper7 Did I think you mean on going , yes I know you had 11 and now you only have 7 = oh that’s only 7 more than me , just my bad humour , like seeing your passion for the cars though . Take care .

[@pda49184]

Charles & Eddie, ha-ha.. "Would I Lie to You?" If my memory serves, a fine early 90's soul duo. Your 1275 GT is an outstanding example of the model. As it's so 'original' I'd be inclined to just do the head and cam with some needle and jet adjustments to the SU. I'd have your arm off for the van, but I'd have to call into the solicitors on the way back home to collect my divorce papers..😅

[@markdraper7]

hallelujah 😆🤣, exactly! Isn't it Pete, When i look at it in photos, i think, corr! 😂 Haha, i know what you mean! 🤣

[@barryford7135]

I had a black 1275GT with some wood & picket bits. I went last minute shopping in London & some Arab guy came up to me asking to buy it for a Christmas prezzie for his girlfriend. We negotiated a price which was more than it was worth & the deal was done, he came back to my parents house to sort the paperwork out and that was it, no car over Christmas for me?

[@markdraper7]

Good Effort Barry. 🙂

[@PocketRocketGarage]

🎉

[@classicminiworkshop]

Boom, first place! 😎

[@PocketRocketGarage]

Mark is so greedy 😊

[@markdraper7]

Greedy is a strong word Kev. 😆 Obsessed, yes 😂

[@PocketRocketGarage]

@ hope you had a great birthday dude!

[@Riceyminimad]

Don’t sell the van! 😢

[@markdraper7]

I'm really trying to convince Lucy that a garage extension is required, but she's not playing ball at the moment! 😫 If i can find a way, i will keep it.

[@maverick4177]

Erm……erm

[@markdraper7]

i do try not to say erm, but obviously fail miserably. I actually struggle with talking on videos, i've tried thinking about what i'm going to say before i start but it just falls apart.

[@dnf1903]

Hiya Mark-I had a 1275 GT back in 1986. It was bronze with brown decals. Sold it when I got married, and I think I got £450 for it. The wheels on yours look brilliant. Keep well.

[@markdraper7]

Hi Dave, those were the days eh, £450 for a GT! Hope you're well.🙂