AUSTIN 1300 GT
With its warmed-up A-Series, sporty styling touches and fun, darty handling, the sportiest ADO16 makes a great Mini alternative, with the bonus of more refined, grownup packaging. Objectively better, but if you want a Mini, nothing else will do.
MINI COOPER
The 1275 GT was a response to Lord Stokes resenting John Cooper’s royalty payments, but for many, the original small-bore Mini Cooper is the one to have. Sporting the classic roundnose and comparable pace, plus better availability, it’s the purist’s choice, but is maybe a touch obvious.
MG METRO
If you’re after a small, fun classic with the A-Series and more square-jawed styling, the often-forgotten MG Metro offeres much the same experience in a more modern, refined package.…