Post by tony105 on Dec 6, 2020 11:40:50 GMT
Following on from my last post with regard to the current Classics Monthly Magazine and their feature project Mini Clubman automatic, it reminded of magazines from the past that have featured significant articles in relation to the automatic Mini.
I will admit to being something of a hoarder of anything motoring memorabilia related and have a huge collection of classic car magazines - I'm probably beyond help !
One magazine feature that I've kept to hand is the April 1997 edition of Mini World Magazine (told you I'm a hoarder !) At that time Mini World were running a feature on 'Buying Used' - which looked in depth at 'what to look for' tips for various models of the Mini for example Commercials, variants including the Riley Elf/Wolseley Hornet and various limited editions.
The April 1997 edition focused on the 'Mini Automatic' in its 'buying used automatics,' feature.
The feature gives a wealth of information that is an essential guide for a prospective buyer, both in terms of 'what to look for, common faults, recommended oil use and general maintenance advice. It is as relevant now as it was then. The feature was put together with 'Mini's Bristol Mini's - back in the day, they always had a wonderful range of classic Mini's available and really knew their stuff.
I often see old copies of this magazine pop up for sale on ebay (other on-line retail auction sites are available!) and would recommend having a copy for all the above reasons, it also makes for an interesting read in general.
The second magazine I'd like to mention is again Mini World - this time a much more recent edition; May/June 2020.
This edition features a beautiful and very early 1970' H Reg' Mini Clubman automatic in white. This actual car has made an appearance on the 'automatic mini register site,' and is absolutely stunning with its very original finish.
From my own collection of motoring magazines - two early road tests of the newly launched 'Austin Mini de lux automatic' from Autocar Magazine of October 1965, praise the unit which had just been launched for application to both the Mini and the 1100 range. The Mini featured in the article bearing the registration DOK 445C, has a five page write up which reflects that Autocar Magazine rate the automatic transmission very highly in the Autocar Road Test (Number 2051).
Some beautiful period black and white photographs accompany the test together with conveying the era in which the Mini was launched.
From the same era - this time February 1967' The Austin Mini automatic (again a de lux) was featured in Motor Magazine.
The feature begins with the heading 'Automated Stickshift' (ironically 'stick shift being a term largely used in the USA now to mean a manual), the feature further goes on to say '... very compact four seater,, remarkable driveability,, the most comprehensive gearbox yet,, fuel consumption not suffered unduly,,, an extra price of £92.'
The Mini featured in this magazine bears the registration plate GOK 370D ( I wonder what became of this car!) The writer being particularly impressed with how much the automatic transmission particularly suits the 'town car' use of the Mini but also refers to what he describes as the 'two moods' of the driver as the point is made of the versatility of the car being able to used in 'D' fully automatic or indeed to be able to manually select gears at will.
Total price for the Mini de lux with additional cost of the automatic transmission in February 1967 ? £647 0s.
Bargain!I'm currently aiming to add to my collection of period road tests for all AP fitted vehicles - particularly the Austin Metro automatic.
If any members can add to this thread - then I'd love to hear of magazine road tests, adverts - or indeed anything press related that features our beloved AP transmission. I have a feeling that a wealth of information will be out there and here is the place for us to share it as it builds our collective understanding and history as we seek to celebrate and preserve the history of these vehicles.
All feedback is welcome.
Roger.
