🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin

Model:

Mini Countryman

Year:

1966

Vin Prefix:

Not specified, but typically begins with 'H' or similar for BMC vehicles.

Model Generation:

First Generation (Mark II Countryman/Traveller chassis)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Essential resource for owners of the Austin Mini Countryman 1966 seeking to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, offering factory-level information at a fraction of professional labor costs.

Comparison:

This manual is an 'Actual Genuine Repair Service Factory Manual,' differentiating it from third-party publications, and provides the same information used by professional technicians.

Features:

Complete official factory documentation, hundreds of pages, printable, step-by-step guidance, detailed illustrations and diagrams, advanced troubleshooting, high resolution, searchable content.

Cost Savings:

$AVE $50 - $60 PER HOUR on shop labor costs by performing servicing yourself.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Styles Covered

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but typical for a comprehensive factory manual).

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Illustrations:

Contains all necessary illustrations, diagrams, and photos to guide repair procedures.

Navigation:

Numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval, bold figure numbers for matching illustrations.

Guidance Style:

Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings.

Delivery:

Download link provided on the checkout page after payment completion.

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems:

General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle, and 'lots more...'

Specific Engine Procedures:

Engine removal and installation, cylinder head overhaul, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing inspection, camshaft service, lubrication system service (oil pump, filter), cooling system service (radiator, pump, thermostat).

Specific Transmission Procedures:

Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch adjustment and replacement, final drive unit service, differential overhaul.

Specific Chassis Procedures:

Suspension component replacement (wishbones, shock absorbers, springs), steering rack and column service, wheel bearing replacement, brake caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake line replacement.

Specific Electrical Procedures:

Starter motor, alternator (or dynamo depending on exact build date), ignition system (coil, distributor, leads, plugs), lighting system (headlights, tail lights, indicators), instrumentation, horn, wiring harness inspection and repair, fuse box service.

Bodywork Procedures:

Door panel removal, window regulator service, hinge adjustment, trim panel replacement, body panel repair (welding, filling), bumper and trim fitting.

Procedures:

Step-by-step repair, maintenance, rebuild, refurbish, restore, advanced troubleshooting, diagnostic procedures, repair procedures, tuning.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering factory-trained technician knowledge, from fundamentals to detailed repair procedures.

Tools Required:

While not explicitly listed in the description, the manual will imply the use of standard automotive tools, diagnostic equipment for ignition and fuel systems, and potentially specialized BMC tools for certain procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

Printable without any restriction, fully printable.

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Search Functionality:

Yes, the PDF format allows for easy searching of keywords.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder (BMC A-series)

Horsepower:

Likely 55-60 bhp (depending on specific engine variant like 1098cc or 1275cc, with 1098cc being common for this era Countryman).

Torque:

Approximately 60-65 lb-ft (for 1098cc variant).

Carburetion:

Single SU Carburetor (e.g., HS2 or HS4).

Engine Codes:

Varied, but common prefixes include '10M/C' or '10H/C' for 1098cc engines.

Bore Stroke:

1098cc: 64.6mm x 83.7mm

Compression Ratio:

Typically 8.3:1 or 8.5:1 for standard engines.

Displacement:

1098cc (most common for Countryman in 1966) or potentially 1275cc in later production variants, though 1098cc is highly probable for 1966.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed manual transaxle.

Type:

None typically offered for this model year.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual, but common ratios for the standard transmission were around 3.64:1 for 1st gear.

Fluid Specification:

Likely SAE 20W50 or SAE 20W/50 multi-grade oil, or specific BMC gearbox oil.

Type:

Dry, single plate, hydraulically operated.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3734 mm (147 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1473 mm (58 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1308 mm (51.5 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 640-680 kg (1411-1500 lbs)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2096 mm (82.5 inches)

Front Track:

Approx. 1194 mm (47 inches)

Rear Track:

Approx. 1200 mm (47.2 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A - vehicles from this era were not subject to standardized crash testing as we know it today.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes (likely 7.5" diameter) and rear drum brakes.

Seat Belts:

May be optional or standard depending on final market; the manual will confirm.

Body Construction:

Monocoque construction (unibody).

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Optional period-correct radio, typically AM/FM.

Features:

Basic features; no electronic driver assistance systems common today.

Heating:

Basic heater unit powered by engine coolant.

Air Conditioning:

Not a factory-offered feature for this model.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months, as specified in the manual.

Ignition Timing:

Adjustments typically required at regular service intervals, e.g., every 6,000 miles. Specific timing degrees will be in the manual.

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W50 or 20W/50 multi-grade oil.

Coolant:

A 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. Specific glycol type may be noted.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (likely DOT 3 for this era).

Common Problems:

Rust (particularly sills, wheel arches, floor pans), hydrolastic suspension issues (leaks, pressure loss), engine oil leaks from seals and gaskets, gearbox synchromesh wear, carburettor tuning.

Tune Up Points:

Spark plug gap, ignition timing, carburettor mixture and idle speed, points gap (if fitted with a distributor), valve clearance adjustment.

Grease Points:

Details of kingpins, steering joints, prop shaft UJs (if applicable) and other chassis lubrication points will be listed.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters) including filter, but the manual will provide precise figures.

Cooling System Capacity:

Approximately 5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters), but the manual will provide precise figures.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approximately 2.75 US pints (1.3 liters), but the manual will provide precise figures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Austin Motor Company, a significant British automotive manufacturer.

Countryman Evolution:

The Countryman was an estate car variant of the Mini, sharing the same front-wheel-drive layout and powertrain but with an extended wheelbase and distinct bodywork, offering more practicality. The 1966 model would typically align with the Mk.II Mini platform changes.

Manufacturing Location:

United Kingdom (primarily Longbridge, Birmingham).

Production Years:

The Mini Countryman (and its twin, the Morris Mini Traveller) was produced from 1960 to 1969.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Awards:

The Mini platform as a whole is highly acclaimed for its revolutionary design and engineering. The Countryman variant offered a unique combination of compact car agility with estate practicality, which was well-received in its segment.