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THE MINI.
A LOOK AT ONE OF THE MANY MODELS OF OUR FAVOURITE CAR.
The Sports 850.
Specially made for Australia, the twin-carburettor 850 has earned itself a place in motoring history.
Following the release of the Mini in the UK in 1959, the Morris 850 was launched in Australia in March 1961. It wasn't long before motor sport enthusiasts discovered the amazing cornering ability of the Mini as it went racing. One of the first Australians to realise the potential of the Mini for racing was Peter Manton of Melbourne. Sports Car World of December 1961 chronicles the appearance of Peter Manton at the Albury Spring Meeting where '(Manton) gave the spring crowd plenty for their money with his light blue Morris 850, driven with a reckless vigour that won him one of the hardest races of the day.
One month previously the Armstrong 500 was held at Phillip Island. A lone Morris 850 was entered for the event and it was this car that had the honour of wearing the first allegations of cheating. While it may not have been cheating, it was definitely the first example of a manufacturer building a limited run of special models just to qualify for the race. What was different with this Mini was that it was equipped with two carburettors. On seeing this the officials insisted that the extra carb be removed. Not to be outdone the competitor produced a telegram from the British Motor Corporation confirming that there had been over 100 of these versions constructed and therefore the Mini could be run in a series production race with the extra carb. Still 'no go' said the officials and the car eventually ran with only one carburettor and was duelling with a group of five Ford Anglias when the windscreen was broken by a rock. A replacement screen was purloined from a donor spectator's Mini and the vehicle continued. Unfortunately, the Mini was disqualified as the replacement screen did not come from a stock of spares that each team had to keep in the pits.
The Mini Sports 850 was launched on 31st August 1961 by P & R Williams in Sydney, and was to be sold only by P & R Williams and Peter Manton Motors in Melbourne.
When new, the Sports 850 was equipped with twin 1in SU carburettors, special manifolding and a tuned exhaust. To make it look different there was also a chromed exhaust, chromed rocker cover, special Sports 850 badging and a coloured flash front and rear. For those who wanted to spend a little extra money the two-tone paintwork was also available. But why, when the Mini-Cooper was just around the corner? Well, according to Australian Motor Sports of March 1962: 'BMC felt that a car as advanced as the famed Cooper-Mini with its enlarged motor, disc brakes and other goodies would be too ambitious (and too costly) to get the volume sales necessary to make any production venture an economic possibility in Australia.
So what difference did the modifications make to the Sports 850 over the standard car? Australian Motor Sports in March 1962 reported a reduction of nine seconds in the 0-60mph acceleration test and a 7mph higher maximum speed; a standard 850 travelled 0-60mph in 27s with a top speed of 72mph. Australian Motor Manual reported a 3s improvement in the 0-50mph test plus improved top-gear flexibility, with fuel economy unaffected at 53mpg. The magazine was very impressed with the increased performance and went on to state: 'unless we had seen it ourselves we would not have believed it possible, and the figures show that this is no haphazard conversion. Performance figures such as those we clocked are a clear indicator that the simple modifications have been scientifically designed.
The magazines were not completely happy with the car as they criticised quite heavily the lack of synchromesh on first gear. AMS, however, wrapped it up by saying that it was the first time that any Australian company had produced a low-priced modified car for enthusiasts whose family responsibilities prevented them from buying a sports car. Plus the buyer had only to find £790 for this special car.
Specifications
Engine 848cc four, cast iron, three main bearings
Bore x stroke 62.9 x 68.3mm
Compression 8.3:1
Power 34bhp (25.4 kW) @ 5500rpm
Torque 44lb ft ( Nm) @ 2900rpm
Fuel system Twin 1 1/4in SU carbs
Transmission Four-speed with synchro on top three ratios
Front suspension Independent by transverse unequal wishbones and Moulton rubber cone springing
Rear suspension Independent by trailing links and Moulton rubber cone springing
Wheelbase 80in (2032mm)
Track Front 47 1/2in (1206mm), rear 46in (1168mm).
L x W x H 120in (3048mm) x 55 1/2in (1410mm) x 53in (1346mm)
Weight 1344lb (610kg)
Max speed 79mph (134kph)
0-60mph 18s
Fuel consumption 53mpg
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