"The Mini Clubman and 1275GT were responsible for two motoring "firsts". They were the first vehicles to use a flexi printed-circuit board behind the dash instruments (universal nowadays, but technically advanced for 1969). Secondly, the 1275GT was the first vehicle to be offered with run-flat tyres; from 1974 this model could be ordered with optional Dunlop Denovo tyres on 12-inch diameter rims. In the event of a puncture, the Dunlop Denovo tyre would not burst and quickly deflate, but could continue to be used safely at speeds of up to 50 mph. This was a useful safety feature, although the increased road noise and relatively poor grip of this tyre meant that many 1275GT buyers ignored this option."

Snatched from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini_Cooper

Didn't apply out here mate, we got REAL tyres...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

And universal opinion of the Dunlop run flat tyres was they may as well have been solid rubber, a claim Jezza Clarkson made of the BMW run-flats.

The Mini had a few 'firsts' I guess. Rubber cone suspension, tiny disc brakes. Not sure about 10 inch wheels. I think Citroen may have had front wheel drive in the 50s.

Transverse engine with gearbox in the sump was, I believe, a first. Had hydro been done before?

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Slide
1965 Mini Van (1360)
1970 Mk2 Cooper S (1310)
1978 Rover SD1 V8 (4.6)
1996 Land Rover Discovery V8 (4.0)

i think they were first with the ten inchers...

as bmc worked with dunlop to make the tyres

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Both rubber cones and hydro had been used by Sir Alec in previous ventires of his. Thats why he was so comfortable with the concepts.

front wheel drive has been arround much longer, it was fiddled with very early on. citreon really were the first to use it succesfully though.

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speed costs....how fast do you want to go...

There is also a front wheel drive Bugatti but not east west layout of the motor

Steve

I didn't know they made Clubman GT's in 1969?

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

I don't think that the Mini actually had any unique features.
Front wheel drive had been done for years.
10" wheels had also been done on microcars.
Transverse engine had been done.
Transmission in the sump had also been done.
Rubber suspension was also old news.
Hydro was first done on the Morris 1100. (It is just rubber suspension anyway)
I also doubt the claim about the printed circuit dash as well. I have seen 1960's Yank cars with printed circuit dashes.

But....
The Morris 1100 was the first Australian made car with.....
Curved side glass.
Headlight flashers on the blinker switch.
Kiddie locks on the doors.

first to start an empire of auto accesory stores?

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speed costs....how fast do you want to go...

First peacetime use of this particular type of CV joint- (Rzeppa) it had only been used in conning tower controls on UK submarines.

Citroen used a double Cardan joint instead, as did Authi in their Spanish Minis. Also Renault in the R4. Not as good.

<edit> I think the 850's rubber U/J was a new design, too.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Pommie GT mate.... 1275GT....*yawn*...nothing like the Aussie Muscle car Clubman GT

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Website: www.justanothermini.com

Yep, Oz GT was the only Clubby factory made with balls, except maybe Sth Africa?

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.