PROJECT MINI CLUBMAN PART 10

The AP2 automatic gearbox was developed for the Mini by Automotive Products and BMC. It was a very compact design that packed four forward speeds into the Mini’s sump at a time when other automatics were much bulkier but still only had three gears. The AP2 was designed to run on engine oil, too.

Many enthusiasts will turn their noses up at the thought of an automatic, and it is true that having a self-shifter changes the nature of the Mini. However, that is not necessarily for the worse, because it encourages a more relaxed and laid-back driving style – the gearbox will still hustle if you have a heavy right foot, but that is really not its natural element and automatics tend to live a much easier life than manual cars. However, if you are thinking of buying a parts car, be warned that a manual box cannot be simply fitted to an engine from an automatic car.