Leyland Mini 1275 LS Identification

[@kateraymond9547]

I had a gold LS1275 as my everyday car for about 10 years, then she sat in various garages for about another 10 years before I VERY reluctantly had to sell her. That was probably around 2011. I still miss that car, even though she was a damned money pit and is probably why I never managed to save any money in my 20s. She was the best car I've ever owned, in spite of the breakdowns and dramas. I stuck by her no matter what. I can still remember what she felt like to drive and the last time I drove her would have been nearly 20 years ago. Wish this video was around when I owned her. I bought her from a deceased estate auction in Sydney. Sold her to a guy who shipped her down to Adelaide.

[@club1fan552]

Still watching and still loving it. Love all your knowledge. Great reference!

[@classicregister]

Thank you, really appreciate your comment :)

[@club1fan552]

@@classicregister Sure thing. Even for today, it is really an almost perfect car. Good acceleration including hill climbing, can cruise at freeway speeds, brilliant visibility and great for driving around the suburbs. I would far prefer this than a current "Mini" or most other new cars quite frankly, which have very little to get excited about and are generally impractical.

[@classicregister]

@@club1fan552 Couldn't agree more, there's nothing quite like it :)

[@club1fan552]

Only 800 produced? I remember these. Probably the nicest and most "luxurious" mini. They went pretty well too. Have a road report of one in a Wheels magazine from early 1979...

[@classicregister]

Supposedly only 800 made it to production. We've never seen formal production records, but this is the figure that was quoted by those 'in the know' working in the Leyland factory at the time. I've been running a register for the last 5 years, and have details for around 70 cars so far. Others I've spotted over the years without having the details would probably account for a couple of hundred still on the road.They are certainly one of the most comfortable early Minis to travel in, and find them a very good looking car when fitted with their 12" wheels and side stripes. I find the seats particularly well designed and padded!

[@club1fan552]

I take your point about the seats. I remember seeing them in maroon and thinking how great they looked and thick for such a little car. Would love to have driven one. Once drove one of it's rivals, an original Beetle with a 1500cc engine and I was surprised and it's good acceleration.

[@mitchbrown3753]

I had one of these, my dad without my permission re sprayed it and put a rover engine in it. Mine was in immaculate condition. I’ve never forgiven him for that.

[@chris-adams-tas]

Great reference. Thanks for addressing the important details.

[@classicregister]

Thanks Chris! I missed a few things but hopefully it covers most items :)

[@brynnokeefe8889]

I have a silver LS1275. Can you tell me the original colour on the grill (the badge - centre strips) please. Is it pale blue or red or one of each?

[@sqracing]

FYI... the LS 1275 was the heaviest mini made in Australia.. at 695Kg

[@classicregister]

Interesting to know that, I hadn't realised. I suppose it makes sense, with the additional weight in larger wheels, and the additional interior trims applied (such as covering the interior pillars in vinyl) - all these little differences probably add up in the end. Thanks for your comment!

[@daviddrury3581]

I have a leyland mini ss that need to be painted and put back together

[@geoffblight6594]

what parts are available for these minis in particular the ls?

[@classicregister]

Plenty of spares are out there for the most part The main issues in finding spares: - Seat trim no longer produced (red / brown) - Original 12 inch wheels are rare (but plenty available overseas) - 1275 motor is a late version like the mini metro - if you wanted a replacement with a similar spec, it's rare to find and you have to source overseas, but they are cheap overseas (other than the shipping) - Long range tank is not so common in Australia. Most of the other bits are standard leyland mini and used across other models :)

[@aggitravel]

I just one yesterday and I love it

[@classicregister]

Congrats! If you wouldn't mind it would be great to get it on the register: classicregister.com/vehicle-register/node_title=1275%20LS? You can just send me pics, known history and the cars details (chassis and engine #) to [e-mail] Enjoy the LS!