18 replies to this topic

[jjb60032]

Probably my third topic on this but does anyone know what mini the HL and City originated from? I am aware that the HL became the Mayfair and the City remained the same but I'm not sure which car they originated from.

[nicklouse]

Have a read http://www.miniworld...ory-of-the-mini

[Ethel]

I wouldn't say they originated from anything. The latest company reincarnation of the time, Austin-Rover, looked to rationalise its range. "City" was also the base variant of other models (Metro, Maestro...), there were also L & HL models. I guess they couldn't find enough extras to make 3 trim levels of Mini,so just City & HL.

 

The City took over the parts bins for the 850 and the HL used the Clubby's.

[mab01uk]

City was equivalent to an earlier 'basic' Mini while Mayfair was the new name for Super or Deluxe spec.

Both City and Mayfair were used on other BL model ranges of the same era like the Metro and Montego.

[jjb60032]

Thanks

[Ethel]

If I recall correctly, the Mini started of the Mayfair, which then replaced the HL across the range. With little development money for actual redesigns, Austin Rover got through a lot of badges!

[mab01uk]

I think HL may have started on the Austin Maxi range.......I always thought it stood for 'High Line' again just another badge for the old 'Deluxe' spec?

 

Ford had also made L, XL and GXL important 'status' badges for employees in the company car parks of the UK in the 1970's...... and when BL took over BMC in 1969 they were eager to get some of that market share from Ford, also the reason for introducing the Morris Marina.....

Edited by mab01uk, 13 December 2014 - 12:50 PM.

[Ethel]

Yep, also a Princess HL. 

 

Who knows what market they were after with the VDP, especially the Allegro version.  I did like the Metro one though.

[Tamworthbay]

Yep, also a Princess HL. 
 
Who knows what market they were after with the VDP, especially the Allegro version.  I did like the Metro one though.

the quality of the interior was superb, but in an allegro? It was a weird beast.

[mab01uk]

Yep, also a Princess HL. 

 

Who knows what market they were after with the VDP, especially the Allegro version.  I did like the Metro one though.

 

I think VDP was used by BL in the 1970/80's as an answer to Ford's marketing success with the 'Ghia' badge on various upmarket versions of their cars.

 

The earlier VDP 1100 and 1300 were very nice 'taseful' upmarket additions to the BMC range but sadly few have survived as they rusted at the same rate as the others. Also very popular as a British classic in Japan because of all the traditional leather and walnut trim and VDP chrome grille.

Edited by mab01uk, 13 December 2014 - 05:11 PM.

[surfblue]

I seem to remember that there was a HLE Mini as well around 81 - 82?

Certainly there was a HLS badged Ambassador which I coveted for it's alloy wheels that my dad's HL didnt have!

[mab01uk]

I think the HLE Mini came with the 998cc Metro A+ engine update with the 'E' added to HL for 'Economy'.

[surfblue]

I think the HLE Mini came with the 998cc Metro A+ engine update with the 'E' added to HL for 'Economy'.

Probably the same time the City gained the "E".

[tomgale]

 

I think the HLE Mini came with the 998cc Metro A+ engine update with the 'E' added to HL for 'Economy'.

Probably the same time the City gained the "E".

 

yup, then replaced by the mayfair within a couple of months, makes changing the badges seem kind of pointless. still at least my car is fairly rare 

[Ethel]

I thought the City E came later, they had a marketing campaign, pushing it and the MG Metro as the spiritual offspring of the MGB & E type  .

 

The Metro launched with HLE & HLS versions, high compression 998 & 1275's respectively, with better manifolds.

 

I think I've read somewhere that the Allegro VDP was for the retired executive, to replace his luxury company car with a more economical runabout.

 

I once had a head off a Princess to go on a Sherpa with recurring head gasket woes (O Series  ). It had a cam with the steepest 'n sharpest profile I think I've ever seen; it is was probably original too - who'd tune Princess?. Anyway I did a bit of basic porting, to remove what I guess were injector bosses (about right for BL on a carb equipped car). The result was the speedo in that big old van got into triple figures across the M62, but it didn't last long afterwards.