1969 Morris Mini

Austin Mini Mk2 (Saloon/estate), 1967-1970

The Austin Mini Mk2 was in production from 1967 until 1970. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, front wheel drive saloon range seating four adults.

The first serious round of revisions for the Mini came in 1967, when the design was already 8 years old. The round shouldered front grille went, in favour of a squarer look which endured on Mini until the end of production. All Mk2 Minis wore the same grille with identical slats regardless of whether the car bore Austin or Morris badging, in a departure from the different designs fitted to Mk1 cars. The car also gained a larger rear window, improved brakes and new rear lights. The range would largely continue as before, following the cosmetic changes.

Two models were available, the standard Mini and the Super De Luxe - later revised to the Mini 850 and Mini 1000 nameplates instead. Countryman and Traveller variants continued, using the larger 998cc engine and available in all metal or wood trimmed varieties. Cooper and Cooper S models would also continue, in 998 and 1275cc forms respectively. The Mk2 was discontinued for 1970, with the advent of the new Mk3 Mini which aligned more closely with the new Clubman. At this point, the range would be modified considerably, and the standard Countryman and Traveller models would be discontinued in favour of new Clubman derivatives instead.

Competitors to the Mini at the time were relatively few - the Hillman Imp was arguably the closest in concept and size, though Eastern European imports such as the Moskvich offered similarly good value given their larger size. Secondhand Mk1 Minis would have competed then, but the value difference means that these are now not rivals. Today, fans of the Mk2 Mini might also consider cars like the Mk1 Ford Escort to cash in on the nostalgia for the late 1960s. Today's better value alternative would certainly be the Clubman - which, prior to 1971, even had the Hydrolastic suspension enjoyed by Mk2 Mini clientele.

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