🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin

Model:

Mini Countryman

Year:

1968

Chassis Code:

BMP1/BMP2 (depending on drivetrain)

Engine Code Suffix Typical:

10H/10HC (1275cc OHV)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Austin Mini Countryman owners (basic to advanced mechanical skills), independent auto service professionals, authorized dealer service departments

Uniqueness:

Vehicle-specific, not generic; provides the same information as official dealer manuals

Value Proposition:

Cost savings through DIY repairs, empowerment for informed discussions with technicians, comprehensive coverage

Ease Of Use:

Clear, concise text with illustrations for easy comprehension

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full service, repair, and troubleshooting for the Austin Mini Countryman 1968

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, diagnostics, wiring schematics, general information

Estimated Page Count:

Unknown (typical for workshop manuals of this era, expect 200-500+ pages)

Manual Classification:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language Of Manual:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams

Emission Control:

Details on 1968-specific emission control systems (if applicable)

Fuel System:

Carburetor (SU HIF4/HS4), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank

Clutch System:

Clutch operation, master cylinder, slave cylinder, clutch plate, release bearing

Transmission:

Manual transaxle overhaul, gear shifting, differential, ratios

Automatic Transmission:

Details on the optional automatic transaxle (if equipped)

Driveshaft Axle:

Front drive shafts, CV joints, rear axle (if applicable to specific Countryman variants)

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components, hydrolastic system (if applicable), shock absorbers, bushings

Steering System:

Steering rack, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel

Restraint System:

Seat belts and mounting points

Brake System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake

Body Interior Exterior:

Body panel repair, doors, windows, upholstery, trim, bumpers

Body Electrical:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, horn, wipers, washer system

HVAC:

Heating system, ventilation

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, brake adjustments, lubrication

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper/cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement, body panel repair, electrical component repair

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common faults and symptoms

Special Tools:

Identification of necessary specialized tools for repairs

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, detailed, suitable for professional mechanics and skilled DIY enthusiasts

Documentation Type:

Includes diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

All versions of Windows and Mac

Printability:

Yes, individual pages are printable

Text Searchability:

Assumed to be searchable text within the PDF format

Physical Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Physical Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Engine Displacement:

1275 cc (78.1 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

70.61 mm x 81.28 mm (2.78 in x 3.20 in)

Compression Ratio:

Approx. 8.8:1 (typical)

Horsepower Net:

Approximately 55-60 bhp (depending on tune and specific variant)

Torque Net:

Approximately 65-70 lb-ft (depending on tune and specific variant)

Carburetor Type:

Single SU HIF4 or HS4

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (or leaded with appropriate octane rating for the era)

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Cast Iron

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed manual transaxle (all-synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, 4th)

Transmission Type Optional:

2-speed automatic (less common)

Final Drive Ratio Typical:

3.76:1 (for 1275cc)

Gear Ratios Manual Typical:

1st: 3.10, 2nd: 2.15, 3rd: 1.39, 4th: 1.00 (approximate, check manual for exact ratios)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3,600 mm (141.7 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1,500 mm (59.1 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1,300 mm (51.2 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,030 mm (79.9 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 670-720 kg (1477-1587 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards Era:

Reflects 1960s safety standards; no modern crash test ratings apply

Braking System Type:

Front: Disc Brakes, Rear: Drum Brakes

Seat Belt Provision:

Provision for seat belts, though often optional or not standard equipment in all markets for 1968

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic analog radio (optional), simple heater and ventilation controls.

Driver Assistance Systems:

None by modern standards. Basic car controls.

Connectivity Options:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months; consult manual for specific details.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs, points, and condenser typically checked/replaced every 6,000-12,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type Capacity:

Typically SAE 20W-50 or 20W-30. Capacity approx. 4.5-5 pints (2.25-2.5 liters). Refer to manual for specific grade and capacity.

Transmission Oil Type Capacity:

GL4 Gear Oil. Capacity approx. 2.5 pints (1.25 liters). Refer to manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4 depending on system specification and replacements).

Coolant Type:

Water and anti-freeze mixture (50/50 recommended).

Common Mini Issues:

Rust (especially around wheel arches, sills, subframes), suspension cone wear, oil leaks (gearbox, engine), electrical gremlins, carburetor tuning issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

British Motor Corporation (BMC)

Countryman Origin:

Developed from the classic Mini platform, offering a longer wheelbase and estate/wagon body style for increased practicality and passenger/cargo capacity

1968 Updates:

Likely incorporated minor running changes as per BMC's typical production evolution; the 1275cc engine was a significant upgrade for the Mini range, appearing in higher-performance models and derivatives like the Countryman.

Production Period Countryman:

1960-1969

Manufacturing Location:

United Kingdom

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Significance:

The Mini platform, including its Countryman variant, is an icon of British automotive design and engineering, celebrated for its innovative transverse engine layout and class-leading space efficiency.