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AUTHI is an acronym for Automosviles Hispano-Ingleses (Spanish-English Automobiles).
Lots to read about the history and mystery of the AUTHI in the Mini Books featured in our books section
Mini Cooper 1300's are definitely NOT the same as the Innocentis (although they did look almost identical): those had an engine virtually identical to a Mk3 British-built S, while in Spain we had to make do with a low-compression (8.8 to 1) 12H engine. It did have twin HS2 carbs and, it was said at the time, a nitrided crank.
Bodyshell differences between British Mk3 and Spanish Mk3 are virtually non-existent, something that cannot be said if you compare them with the Italian Minis.
Authi produced a number of models:
Model | Year | Chassis Numbers | Details |
1000 E (Special - Especial?) |
04/69 - 09/70 | I-0001 to I-4505 | Mk 2 shells and front disc brakes, leather seats and stainless hubcaps, bumpers and overriders |
1000 S Standard |
to 05/70 | IS-0001 to IS-3358 | Mk 2 shells and front disc brakes, aluminium hubcaps and bumpers |
1000 B | B-0001 to B-1992 | these have Mk2 shells, very few creature comforts, drum brakes all round and are all white | |
1000 Lujo | MML-00001 to MML-11818 | De luxe, these have Mk3 shells and drum brakes all-round and three-instrument oval binnacle | |
1000 Normal | MMN-00001 to MMN-9689 | Mk3 shells, drum brakes all round and just one round speedo |
The 1000 E is perhaps the best Mini ever produced in Spain:
Compression was relatively high (8.8 to 1, compared with the standard's 8.3 to 1)
E's had the big air filter (metal, later plastic) for the HS4 carburettor, while the Standards had just an HS2 with a tiny airbox, like 850s
The E may also have had pistons with a small deflector making them very difficult to find, at least in Spain. This may make them the same as the original (British-built) Mini Cooper 998 Low Compression engine but that is unconfirmed
It is also possible that the head, intake manifold and carburettor in the E were the same as the ones found in the (Spanish-built) MG 1100
Es also had a unique arrangement for the passenger seat. It could be folded for an easier entry to the rear seat
Es had red carpet and black leather in the seats, with
lots of vertical "flutes".
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