Market Segment:
Compact, economy car
Historical Significance:
Iconic British car, revolutionary design for its time
Competitors:
BMC 1100/1300, Ford Escort (Mk1), Vauxhall Viva
Design Philosophy:
Maximizing interior space within a small footprint, front-wheel drive, transverse engine
Mk Ii Distinction:
Larger front and rear windows, wider grille, revised dashboard
Engine:
1.0L (A-Series), 1.3L (Cooper S variants - implied)
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, hoses, water pump
Fuel System:
Carburetor (SU, Weber), fuel pump, fuel tank, lines
Ignition System:
Distributor, coil, spark plugs, wiring
Transmission:
4-speed manual transaxle (all synchromesh)
Clutch:
Diaphragm spring clutch, operating mechanism
Suspension:
Hydrolastic (on some models), rubber cone springs, wishbones, dampers
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, servo (optional)
Steering:
Rack and pinion, steering column, linkage
Electrical System:
12V system, dynamo/alternator, battery, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation
Bodywork:
Chassis construction, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim
Heating Ventilation:
Heater matrix, ducting
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, electrical system checks
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension refurbishment
Installation:
Component replacement, accessory installation
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step guides for all major components
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing, valve clearance, brake adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full rebuilds)
Illustrations:
Detailed pictorial diagrams, exploded views, photographs
Special Tools:
References to required special service tools and their usage
Specifications:
Torque values, wear limits, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical data
Engine Code:
A-Series (various displacements)
Displacement:
998cc (standard), 1275cc (Cooper S variants)
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 40-55 hp (standard), 65-70 hp (Cooper S)
Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 50-60 lb-ft (standard), 70-75 lb-ft (Cooper S)
Carburetion:
Single SU Hif H4 (standard), Twin SU HS4 or Weber DCOE (Cooper S)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (later models may adapt)
Configuration:
Inline-4 cylinder, front-wheel drive, transverse engine
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Length:
Approx. 120.5 inches (3060 mm)
Width:
Approx. 53.5 inches (1360 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51 inches (1300 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1200-1400 lbs (544-635 kg)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 84 inches (2134 mm)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 47.5 inches (1207 mm)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 45.5 inches (1156 mm)
Crash Safety:
N/A (pre-modern safety standards, no official ratings available)
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum
Seatbelts:
Optional, often 2-point lap belts
Windscreen:
Laminated safety glass (front), toughened glass (side/rear)
Safety Warnings In Manual:
Manual emphasizes use of correct tools, procedures, and safety precautions during repairs
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for precise recommendation)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 (common recommendation, check manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8 pints (4.5 liters) including filter
Coolant Type:
Water/Antifreeze mixture (e.g., 50/50 ratio)
Transmission Oil Type:
EP 90 Gear Oil (also serves as final drive lubricant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Common Wear Items:
Rubber suspension cones, gearbox synchros, body rust, electrical connections
Engine Specific:
Carburetor tuning, potential for oil leaks from crankshaft seals
Suspension Specific:
Hydrolastic fluid levels (if equipped), wear in bushings and ball joints
Recommended Practice:
Regular inspection and preventative maintenance as outlined in the manual is crucial for longevity.
Manufacturer:
British Motor Corporation (BMC), later British Leyland
Successor:
Mini Clubman, Mini 1275GT, Mini Cooper Mk III
Production Period:
1967-1970 (for Mark II specific models)
Original Design Engineer:
Sir Alec Issigonis
