Prototype Mini's 1957

[mab01uk]

I know several photos of the two experimental Mini prototypes built and used for testing from October 1957, have appeared in the various Mini books over the years.... except for this worm's-eye view pre-front subframe photo which is rarely seen. (Note the lack of fins on the smooth gearbox sump casting). At least I have only ever seen this picture in the early 1960's "Mini Story" book by Lawrence Pomeroy. (Yes, I know its also now on the Mk1 Performance photo archive). They were of course nicknamed "Orange Boxes" disguised with Austin A35 grilles and mainly tested at night. The under bonnet photos clearly show the 950cc A-Series engine mounted the opposite way round to later production Minis, reasons for the change were given as carburettor icing and weak A35 gearbox syncro problems. The changes required the addition of a third drop or idler gear and also changed the cooling fan from sucking air in, to pushing air out into the other front wheel arch more efficiently. The 950cc engine was also reduced to 850cc to keep top speed down relative to the early braking power available at the time!
The battery was up front but was later of course moved to the boot. (see underbonnet photos below)
I asked the late Jack Daniels (Issigonis Draughtsman) what had happened to them a few years back at a Gaydon Mini event. He was pretty sure BMC scrapped them both in the early 60's along with the XC9003 wooden mock-ups.

[mk1]

I remember seeing an advert for one of these in one of the usual Motor Mart type publications years ago, I think Rich saw the same. This was offering a very early mini with an A35 front a 950 engine that was in the wrong way etc.

For some reason I never went to have a look, it may just have been a wind up, but you never know. I would think this was at least 15 or more years ago.

I WONDER?. . . . . . . . . .

[JC T ONE]

I remember seeing an advert of one of these in one of the usual Motor Mart type publications years ago, I think Rich saw the same. This was offering a very early mini with an A35 front a 950 engine that was in the wrong way etc.

For some reason I never went to have a look, it may just have been a wind up, but you never know. I would think this was at least 15 or more years ago.

I WONDER?. . . . . . . . . .

Well the very early Beachcar prototype, escaped the hands of BMC, so why not

[251 ENG]

Do you have any pictures of a mini prototype with a 2 cylinder engine ?

[mab01uk]

Mini: The Definitive History Book by Jon Pressnell has a photo of the 2 cylinder A-series engne sitting on a Mini gearbox if I remember right, I would scan it and upload but I have loaned my copy out! Anyone else oblige?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mini-Definitive ... 1844254755

I have not seen pictures of it actually fitted in a Mini though..........

[graham in aus]

I think 251ENG may have already seen those!

Is the one in the Presnell book the engine that you had Simon ?

[mab01uk]

I think 251ENG may have already seen those!

Is the one in the Presnell book the engine that you had Simon ?

Can you show/link me to some photos of his (Simons?) engine then.............?

[graham in aus]

Mab, over 10 years ago, while I was still in the UK, 251ENG had a 2 cylinder mini engine, I think he sold it, but I'll let him tell you.

I believe it was saved from the 'scrap bin' and ended up with 251.

I don't have any pics, I'll go and look at my Pressnell book, but I'm fairly sure there were pictures of the engine I saw wirh 251.

Cheers!

[bill773mini]

The two cylinder was never fitted to the mini. It was on A35 test mules. It was too rough and noisy was scrapped.