1978 Leyland Mini 1275 LS

About this 1275 LS

We do not have all the details of this car, however, we do have the beginning of the chassis number for reference. If anyone knows the car, please let us know the remaining chassis and engine number details. Based on the start of the chassis number we have, I have estimated that this car was produced in August 1978.

The car appears to have been restored beautifully to an original state. The owner has opted for brown stripes down the side. There is some argument over whether this was original or not. It is my understanding that the 1275 LS (nugget gold came with both black and brown stripes, however, I am unsure of the numbers done with each. I have certainly seen more gold LS cars with the black stripes, so perhaps the brown were a rare option? Any information in thius respect would be great.

This car has the optional / aftermarket louvre on the rear window, and the have also opted for factory spotlights. These may have been added later, or chosen as an option on order.

If you now this car or any further details, please comment on this profile below, or contact our club. You can see our contact details by clicking our profile name. We are looking for all remaining LS mini's, and appreciate any information we can add to the mini 1275 LS register / mini LS register here on classicregister.com.

What is the 1978 Leyland Mini 1275 LS

The Leyland Mini Clubman 1275 LS was the last mini version to be introduced and produced in Australia. The model was intended to have a longer production run as a high spec model in the Australian line up. However, with BMC ending manufacturing in Australia, the 1275 LS ended up being a run-out model, with estimates of 800 – 1000 cars produced overall.

The 1275 LS was produced in two colours, Nugget Gold and Hi-Ho Silver, both versions having side stripes with “1275 LS” printed to distinguish them from other models in the Leyland Mini line up. As the top model in the mini range, the 1275 LS was fitted with a 1275cc engine (sourced from and built in Europe), larger 12” wheels to house bigger front disc brakes, a long range fuel tank, and several other more “luxury” features available from the Mini parts bin of that era.

Interior features included a single speaker radio, triple pod instruments, adjustable seats and Formula GT steering wheel. Silver cars were generally fitted with Red corduroy style velour cloth seats, with black vinyl seat backings, door trims and roof lining. Gold cars were fitted with the same style fabric (but chocolate brown in colour), backed by cream vinyl, door trims and roof lining.

Without reference to the features of the car as briefly outlined above, a genuine 1275 LS can only be determined by its engine and chassis number. It is worth noting that the chassis plate of a 1275 LS will not specify “LS” like was done with other pre-1978 mini’s in Australia. The correct chassis first half prefix for a 1275 LS is XNFAD18Y/. The correct engine number can come in two forms. The most common form of the first half of the engine number prefix is 12H902. The other is 12H897.

It is unknown how many 1275 LS’s are still on the road, however, we have managed to collect the details of a decent number of cars on www.classicregister.com. If you have any information about any of the cars we have on this register, or would like to have your 1275 LS put on the register, please get in contact with us.

Here is a vehicle identification guide we have drawn up for the 1275LS:

http://classicregister.com/content/how-identify-1978-leyland-mini-1275-ls