Hey all,

Just wondering, what are the differences between the S and SS?
Are they major changes or just small things?

Oh, did a quick search on the forum and 575 hits but nothing specific to this topic...

AJ

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1978 Leyland Clubman S

Accessories, lots of accessories.

There is no mechanical or body differences. It is just a trim level change.

1 s

the story goes they had extra s badges and
decided to make a SS to use up the badges
it was in TME i am pretty sure.

It will probably depend on the age of the S you are talking about as basically all of the SS/LS features became options on an S after the SS was released. AFAIK only the SS had two tone seats, the S had matching colour fabric inserts and the LS had full cloth seats with vinyl on the non-wear parts. The stripes, badging and of course compliance plates are probably the only other reliable difference.

See page 72 of TME 15 for Watto's take on this question.

As I have said before, rust under the vinyl roof was such a problem that roof replacement is probably fairly common for any surviving cars - my own SS got it done when it was less than 15 years old - so the lack of a vinyl roof isn't meaningful when trying to identify an SS/LS and of course you get one put on your S as an option if you desired.

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66 Deluxe, 07 Cooper

The Mini Experience Issue 15 had the full story on the SS and LS(998)

There were 19 differences between the S and the SS, but as already stated almost all were available as option on an S after the SS was released.

Yes, the only reason it was called an SS was because of a surplus of S badges.

All the changes were effectively bolt-on options, because to change anything mechanical would have required engineering and compliance work, which were too costly.

The SS was released purely as a marketing exercise to boost sales - which worked. Only 500 were made and they sold very quickly, prompting Leyland to release the LS, which was almost identical in terms of specification but available in different colours and obviously with different badges.

The SS was only available in two colours - Omega Navy and Nutmeg (brown) metallic. These were both colours left over from the Leyland P76. All had the vinyl roof covering.

The most important identifier is the compliance plate, which has LEYLAND MINI SS listed for the model type.

Cheers,
Watto.

The mini was truly at the end of its use by date by then. How sad.

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1966 Morris Mini Deluxe
.... 4 bicycles and 3 screaming kids.

well I might make a mini with sss
cause I have few s badges lying around the place

Ah, fair enough. Compliance plates and interior changes sums it up.
Well thanks for all the replies!

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1978 Leyland Clubman S