1978 Leyland Mini 1275 LS

About this 1275 LS

This is my 1978 Mini 1275 LS. I have had this mini for approximately 3 years.  Despite having a long way to go in the restoration process, the car has been substantially improved.  It is always my intention to restore these cars to their original condition, and have original parts reconditioned where possible.  Please note that the pictures are not current, and the car has had a lot of work done as described below.

The engine on the car has been converted to unleaded and reconditioned, along with the radiator and original 1.5 SU carburetter.  I have also had all the bushes on the front end replaced, and a new steering rack installed, and reconditioned front discs. The car now handles like new.  5 of the wheels were sandblasted and re painted the original factory silver, with new rubber, and I have reconditioned hubcaps to go on the car when the restoration is complete. The interior has also had some attention, with a reconditioned dash top, and re trimmed rear seat + drivers seat base.  I also have new carpet to go in the car once I have some rust repaired.

The next step of the restoration involves some rust removal.  Two new sills have been created for the both sides of the car. The floors (aside from the edge sills) are however in very good condition, including the boot floor, and it appears that the front side parts of the sills are the only major concern.  There is also a bit of rust under the RHS rear window, as seemed to be common in LS cars in particular (may have been something to do with the paint used).

More images will be uploaded as the restoration comes along.  Please feel free to comment, and have a look at the video I have uploaded just after the reconditioned had was put on (needs a tune).

About 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 our guide on how to identify a genuine Leyland mini 1275LS:

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