BMC Competitions Dept (Australia) - Mini

[275 GTB-4]

I scanned this old photo of mine recently because I was wondering who the driver was and whether it was a an "official works entry". Its the lates 60's at Warwick Farm (a Tasman Round). Apologies for my photography, at that age I thought panning was something you did in the goldfields!

[Bryan Miller]

275 GTB -4 ,
Looks like an improved production Cooper S , as opposed to a Series Production class car , or a Sports Sedan class car .
If it had been an official Works car from the B.M.C. dept. at Zetland Iwould have thought it would have been Castrol green with white stripes.

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by Bryan Miller
275 GTB -4 ,
Looks like an improved production Cooper S , as opposed to a Series Production class car , or a Sports Sedan class car .
If it had been an official Works car from the B.M.C. dept. at Zetland Iwould have thought it would have been Castrol green with white stripes.

Bryan, thanks and sorry, it was in a race with other "improved production/sports sedans" including Barry Sharpes incredible XT. Another shot I have clearly shows a big sway bar bolted under the rear end.

The colours I thought denoted some sort of factory backing (possibly BL international), as I seem to recall a Rover 3500 dressed similarly and Andrew Cowans 70's rally car he used on this side of the world plus maybe a few other examples (hope I'm not confusing this with UNIPART cars .)

I have a feeling it was Lynn Brown - but after all these years and no program I can't be sure)

[Bryan Miller]

275 GTB-4
I just went thru. all my Farm programmes and Lynn Brown is there , and sometimes his car is blue/white , but unless I am very much mistaken [MISS YOU MURRAY] it looks like a no. 4 on the car , and I cannot find ablue cooper no.4

[Morris 1100]

I think it is 47 on the door.

The BMC Australia Comp dept changed its colour from green to blue so it could be a factory car.

[Bryan Miller]

Morris 1100 , yes that must have been about 69/70 , I have just found John Leffler in blue/white , not the car we are looking for but it is ent. British Leyland Works Team.
If we can get a definate no. may be able to assist

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by Bryan Miller
Morris 1100 , yes that must have been about 69/70 , I have just found John Leffler in blue/white , not the car we are looking for but it is ent. British Leyland Works Team. If we can get a definate no. may be able to assist

Bryan, thanks muchly, Its definately 47 and it was a very big Tasman Meeting with big Touring Car support.....Leo Geoghan Charger, Freddie Gibson HO etc Match SR3??.... and I think it was the meeting that Mike the bike Hailwood was in a Surtees.

I'm sure you are right about the colour change Morris...

[Bryan Miller]

275-GTB-4, It has to be the Tasman in 1972, all that cast you mentioned are there , and the car no. 47 is in the Touring and Closed Sports Car feature race .

Entrant. Marque Motors. Drv. Paul Gulson
Morris Cooper S 1310 Blue.
He was Canberra based was'nt he.
Regards Bryan.

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by Bryan Miller
275-GTB-4, It has to be the Tasman in 1972, all that cast you mentioned are there , and the car no. 47 is in the Touring and Closed Sports Car feature race .

Entrant. Marque Motors. Drv. Paul Gulson
Morris Cooper S 1310 Blue.
He was Canberra based was'nt he.
Regards Bryan.

Hi Bryan, that is NOT one of the names I had going around in my head!!! and something ain't quite right - the colour scheme - looks very much BMC/BLMC factory sponsored??????

Paul Gulson was here and Ray still is AFAIK selling Porsches etc. Paul had Mini Mania on the Gold Coast but I believe he has now sold it and is a "freelance mini consultant" (whatever that is!!)

http://www.minimania.com.au/index.html

Thanks very much for the research - if you ever get around to it (I have a large wooden one at home) would love to see more of the program listings (scanned?) or if you know any weblinks - would be grateful....Cheers

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by 275 GTB-4
Hi Bryan, that is NOT one of the names I had going around in my head!!! and something ain't quite right - the colour scheme - looks very much BMC/BLMC factory sponsored??????

Paul Gulson was here and Ray still is AFAIK selling Porsches etc. Paul had Mini Mania on the Gold Coast but I believe he has now sold it and is a "freelance mini consultant" (whatever that is!!)

http://www.minimania.com.au/index.html

Thanks very much for the research - if you ever get around to it (I have a large wooden one at home) would love to see more of the program listings (scanned?) or if you know any weblinks - would be grateful....Cheers

I had a short chat today with a fella who runs a Rover 3500 (painted just like the ex-Jim Smith car - which he also has). He confirmed that Leyland Australia did back a team in the 70's called the "Young Lions" and the Mini drivers were John Leffler (modified) and Lakis Manticas (production). I was a keen a follower of both their careers at the time, so I am reasonablly confident now that old No 47 must be Johnny Leffler!!