|
ALCHEMY
In this series titled “Alchemy”, which means turning metal into gold, we will review cars and drivers who helped to make MINI a legend.
The Broadspeed.
This months review is of the Broadspeed Mini, a vehicle that was stylish and well equipped, but expensive at the time of production.
These cars were originally produced in limited numbers in the UK by Ralph Broad, who had successfully modified and raced Minis prior to designing this fastback model. Its distinguishing feature was the extended Kamm tail, an essential item aiding aerodynamics at that time. The roof and rear end of the shell were fabricated from fibreglass and were reinforced with steel frame and inserts to give a strong and rigid body. The result was a car with all the Mini traits and a lot less weight.
As a road car it was under-rated by the motoring writers at the release due to bad finish and assembly – those poor souls also suggested that it was unattractive. Some of the criticisms were justified on the British cars, but when Brian Foley undertook local production the quality problems were successfully addressed.
The Foley-produced cars began with a Deluxe based unit as an entry model, followed by a 2+2 S version using Cooper S equipment. The Super Deluxe came with engine modifications such as a re-worked head (10.5:1), big cam and twin 1 ½” SU’s, providing 90BHP and a rev limit of 8000rpm up from 6500. New Broadspeeds carried a full BMC factory warranty unless they were modified.
The Model with the bad attitude was the GTS. This car stretched Mini performance one notch higher – there were no apologies regarding noise, as this, combined with limpet-like grip and savage acceleration, made for one dynamic rocket ship. Here was a serious performance car that was accused of being overpowered as a road car, but, as a racing car, set new lap records all over Australia and its success became legendary.
There are very few of these cars left now, and they remain one of the Mini’s most valuable variants.
Performance of the Broadspeed.
Top speed. 103.8 mph
¼ Mile. 18 sec.
1st Gear. 32 mph (7000)
2nd 52 mph
3rd. 74 mph
0 - 30mph 3.9 sec
0 – 40 5.9
0 – 50 8.0
0 – 60 10.6
0 – 70 14.8
Engine. 1275cc
Comp Ratio. 10.1 to 1
Power. 91 bhp
Torque. 65 ft/lbs 3000rpm.
Wheels. Minilite 4 ½”
Tyres. Dunlop SP41
On the dashboard, the matching 150mph speedometer and 10,000 rpm rev-counter indicate that this was no ordinary Mini. Down in the “herbs” department nestles a 1275 Cooper S power unit. For an extra $250 you could get a Broadspeed tune. This meant a modified head with bigger exhaust valves, ported & polished and a 10.5:1 compression. There was also a special exhaust manifold and a Broadspeed road/race camshaft. Twin exhaust pipes poked out the back, one on each side.
Then there was the Broadspeed G.T.S.
This was Laurie Stewart’s Broadspeed GTS race car as advertised in “Sports Car World” in 1967.
Officially timed at 127.84mph at Bathurst during Easter – the Broadspeed has proved to be the most successful sports racing closed car throughout the 1966 / 67 season. Unbeaten in this category for outright placings, it has also proved quicker on most Australian circuits than any improved production Mini.
The car has a 1365cc fully developed engine with 46 IDA Weber carburettor, five speed close ratio gearbox, limited slip diff, Minilite wheels etc. Overall weight only 10cwt. Fully rebuilt and ready to race. Price complete $3400. Finance arranged.
I hope you find this series interesting, as we have a few more specials to look back on in forthcoming issues.
Darryl Osborne.
|
