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ALCHEMY
With Darryl Osbourne.
In this series titled “Alchemy”, which means turning metal into gold, we will review cars and drivers who helped to make MINI a legend.
Unipower GT
Welcome to another mutant Mini special, this time it’s the Unipower GT. A car that opened the door for other Mini based variants bt having a prominent role in the British TV series “Mogul”. This series ran in the 60’s and starred Ray Barret who was an actor from Brisbane.
The rear engined Unipower was initially produced as a sideline project by a truck conversion company and was introduced at the 1966 London racing car show. The original car was shown prematurely and had a few gremlins which delayed its sale as a kit car for a short while after its initial display.
This was one of the better looking specials and was quite expensive for its time, due to its having a fibreglass body bonded to a space frame chassis. A unique feature was the gear lever, mounted on the driver’s right side. If you think that’s odd, the change pattern was back to front, resulting in first gear being where fourth normally is and vice versa. Now that would be interesting at the lights!
These models were once again renowned for their road holding and performance and continued the tradition established by the Mini, the donor of the good bits. A range of six versions was available starting at a basic kit and progressing to a race ready model. The unipower inspired other builders to release similar types of vehicles and some became quite successful in later years. Only a few cars made it to Australia and since their numbers were small anyway, one of these would be a very collectable item indeed. To see the old TV series again would rekindle memories of these cars and show just how well they suited the role as transport for the man from Mogul.
DATA SHEET: UNIPOWER GT
Engine:
1275cc Mini-Cooper S, 78bhp @ 6000rpm, torque 79ft/lb @ 3000rpm. Twin HS2 SU carbs,
Free flow exhaust. 4 cylinder, In line with 3 main bearings.
Transmission:
4 speed synchro on top 3 gears. Engine & gearbox mounted Transversely in rear. Side mount Gear lever.
Chassis:
Wheelbase 7 ft.
Length 11ft 7 in.
Width 4 ft 9 ½ in.
Weight 12 ½ cwt.
Brakes:
Disc/drums. Disc 7 ½ in.
Tyres:
145 x 10 Michelin
Wheels:
Cooper S vented 4 ½ in steel.
Performance:
0 to 30mph 4.3sec
0 to 50mph 7.5sec
0 to 60mph 10.5sec
Maximum in gears:
First. 35mph @ 6000rpm
Second. 55mph @ 6000rpm
Third. 80mph @ 6000rpm
Top. 120mph
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