For sale: 1980 SSS Sedan Stanza Datsun

Body: The main change on the MKIII was the redesigned body shell. In comparison to MKII and earlier bodies, changed panel designs included the floor pans, rear seat pan, boot floor, body sides, rear seat brace panel, front inner wing valances, windscreen surround assembly, towboard with cross member, front parcel shelf and inner scuttle panel, doors and boot lid. There are also a large number or minor subtle differences (such as the front bonnet hinges being mounted to the bonnet slightly further apart than earlier models, and mounting holes for both LHD+RHD wiper positions). Many export markets cars were fitted with front towing eyes.

Doors: The Doors most notably are internally hinged on the MKIII, and now finally incorporated full length wind-up windows (replacing the earlier sliding windows). Doors now had a body coloured window frame, and fixed push-button door handles were fitted with key operated locks. The rear bootlid incorporated a larger number plate depression plus a new body coloured number plate lamp housing.

Paintwork: In a significant departure from previous variants, the MKIII Cooper S was only available in monotone paint colours (i.e. no contrasting roof colour). Refer to section 2 of this guide for paint codes, details and examples of the colours available.

Badging: The MKIII Cooper S was not badged as a Morris or Austin in the UK, but simply came under the “Mini” name. In export markets, Austin or Morris badges were applied. On the trunk lid was a simple badge reading “Morris Cooper S”. This was a rectangular badge with “Mini” in black on a silver background, and “Cooper S” in silver on a black background. On the front hood, a shield shaped badge was applied with the word “Mini” on a black background, with two light blue panels below. British Leyland badges were found at the base of each A pillar.

Chrome work / trim: Bumper over-riders were fitted to the front and rear chrome bumpers as standard, but no corner nerf bars were fitted. The MKIII Cooper S shared the same 11-slat chrome grille with the rest of the round front Mini range of 1971 (a change from the 8-slat that applied to the MKII). Plastichrome wheel arch trim was fitted along the side seam. On some cars, the fuel filler caps were painted the body colour. Otherwise, they were chrome plated. These caps were not lockable.

Glass/windows: As standard, a “zone toughened” windscreen was applied, with a laminated windscreen offered in the UK market as an option (this feature may also be found on export models as standard). A heated rear window was an optional extra. The switch and warning lamp was located on a small separate panel under the lower parcel shelf rail. This was a standard feature on export cars to colder climates (such as Canada).

Lighting: UK cars have front flashing indicator lamps with amber lenses. Some export markets had parker / side lamps built into the flashing indicator lamps. Depending on the local regulations, they may have a clear, or white lens (as opposed to amber). Some export markets may have also had additional directional indicators on the fender sides, side marker reflectors and or hazard light functionality. The rear tail lights were identical to the MK2. Some export markets received all red lenses (rather than part amber/part red).