🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin

Model:

Mini Countryman

Year:

1961

Chassis Code:

ADO 147 (Countryman/Traveller)

Body Style:

Estate / Station Wagon

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Austin Mini Countryman owners, DIY mechanics, restoration enthusiasts, professional technicians

Advantage:

Professional quality, comprehensive coverage, exact information used by dealerships and repair shops

Value Proposition:

Saves significant repair costs, empowers self-sufficiency in maintenance and repair

Accessibility:

Instant digital access, printable sections for hands-on work

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants:

All engine types used in the 1961 Mini Countryman

Transmission Types:

All transmission types used in the 1961 Mini Countryman

Trim Levels:

All trim levels for the 1961 Countryman

Geographic Applicability:

Global (covers all models/engines/trims/transmissions)

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided, but described as comprehensive)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Primary Language:

English

Delivery Method:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine Service / Repair (including diagnostics and detailed procedures)

Transmission:

Transmission Service / Repair (including diagnostics and detailed procedures)

Brakes:

Brake System (service, repair, adjustments, troubleshooting)

Electrical:

Electrical System (including diagnostics, troubleshooting, wiring diagrams)

Wiring Diagrams:

Wiring Diagrams (detailed, combined with electrical service for ease of use)

Suspension:

Suspension (service, repair, alignment, troubleshooting)

Steering:

Steering System (service, repair, adjustments, troubleshooting)

Cooling:

Cooling System (service, repair, thermostat, radiator, hoses)

Fuel:

Fuel System (including Fuel Injection / Fuel System, carburetion, fuel pump, tank)

Emissions:

Emission System (service and troubleshooting related to emissions controls)

Climate Control:

Heater / Air Conditioning (service and repair for climate control systems)

Engine Management:

Engine Control System (diagnostics and repair)

Chassis Body:

Chassis / Body (frame, bodywork repair, mounting points)

Restraint Systems:

Restraint System (seat belts, potentially early airbag systems if applicable for the era/model)

Interior:

Interior components, trim, and fixtures

Drivetrain:

Differential / Drive axle components and service

Axles:

Axle service and repair

General Maintenance:

General Maintenance procedures and schedules

Lubrication:

Periodic Lubrication schedules and specifications

Troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting for all major systems, including electrical and engine issues

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all components

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance tasks and schedules

Disassembly Assembly:

Complete disassembly and reassembly instructions for major components

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic procedures for common and complex problems

Technical Specifications:

Critical specifications for all repair and maintenance tasks

Illustrations:

Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos for all procedures

Tool Requirements:

Identification of necessary tools for each repair procedure

Depth:

Professional-level technical depth, same as used by local service/repair shops

Detail Level:

Detailed substeps expanding on repair procedure information

Critical Information:

Notes, cautions, and warnings pinpointing critical information

Illustrations Matching:

Numbered instructions and bold figure numbers for quick illustration matching

Part Identification:

Enlarged inset diagrams for detailed part examination

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Capability:

YES (Zoom IN/OUT)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download - printable sections)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Operating Systems:

Compatible with All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline Four-Cylinder (OHV)

Displacement:

848 cc (0.8 L) 'A-Series' engine was standard for early models

Bore X Stroke:

62.9 mm x 81.3 mm (approximate for 848cc A-Series)

Compression Ratio:

7.5:1 to 8.3:1 (depending on variant and tune)

Horsepower:

Approx. 34-37 bhp @ 5000 rpm (for 848cc A-Series)

Torque:

Approx. 51-52 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (for 848cc A-Series)

Carburetion:

Single SU Carburetor (e.g., H1 or HS2)

Fuel Type:

Leaded Gasoline (91-94 Octane)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual Transaxle (integrated with engine, 'লেইভার' style gear change)

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios vary by model and year, but typically include: 1st: ~3.63:1, 2nd: ~2.20:1, 3rd: ~1.36:1, 4th: ~1.00:1, Reverse: ~3.95:1

Options:

No automatic transmission options were available for this early model.

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

3051 mm (120.1 in)

Width:

1410 mm (55.5 in)

Height:

1310 mm (51.6 in) (approximate, to roofline)

Wheelbase:

2032 mm (80.0 in)

Track Width Front:

1200 mm (47.2 in)

Track Width Rear:

1230 mm (48.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 640 kg (1411 lb)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 975 kg (2150 lb)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era:

Designed pre-modern safety standards; features were rudimentary by today's standards.

Braking System:

Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. Early models featured 'magic wand' lever for handbrake. No ABS or power assistance.

Seat Belts:

Seat belts were optional or not standard equipment in 1961, depending on market regulations.

Body Construction:

Monocoque 'unibody' construction, with integrated structural strength, but crumple zone technology was nascent.

💡 Technology Features

Features:

Basic radio (optional) with AM reception; no electronic displays or integrated infotainment.

Features:

None by modern standards. Driver input and observation are primary.

Features:

No electronic connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months (specific intervals may vary based on driving conditions and oil type used).

Grease Points:

Regular lubrication of kingpins, trunnions, and other suspension/steering joints is critical.

Ignition System:

Spark plug gap and ignition timing checks recommended periodically.

Engine Oil:

Initially SAE 20W/50 or 20W/30. Later recommendations often favored synthetic oils for better protection. The gearbox shares oil with the engine in this design.

Gearbox Oil:

Shared with engine oil. Capacity approx. 2.7 litres (shared with engine).

Coolant:

Water mixed with anti-freeze. Capacity approx. 4.5 litres.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid (ensure compatibility with seals).

Grease:

EP (Extreme Pressure) grease for suspension and steering components.

Rust:

Prone to corrosion in wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, and floor pans.

Hydrolastic Suspension:

The Countryman did not use the Hydrolastic system in 1961; it used conventional rubber cone suspension. However, later models and general Mini issues include suspension wear.

Gearbox Synchromesh:

Synchromesh on early gearboxes can wear, leading to difficulty engaging gears.

Engine Oil Leaks:

Common leaks from crankshaft seals, gearbox seals, and rocker cover gaskets due to age and design.

Cooling System:

Radiator efficiency can decline, and water pump seals can fail.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Austin Motor Company, a British manufacturer known for economical and innovative vehicles.

Countryman Concept:

The Countryman (and its twin, the Traveller) offered a more practical, spacious body style on the Mini platform, featuring unique sliding rear side windows and a tailgate, differentiating it from the saloon.

Production Period:

The Mini Countryman and Traveller (ADO 147 chassis) were produced from 1960 to 1969.

Manufacturing Location:

Mainly Longbridge, Birmingham, UK.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Impact:

Recognized as a landmark of space-efficient automotive design, with the Countryman variant extending this practicality to a versatile estate.