User:Micool K
Australian Mini S Leyland Sunshine 1977
The Leyland Mini S Sunshine was released in October 1977, fitted standard with the Autosun Sunroof manufactured and distributed by Auto Sun and Air Pty Ltd. These sunroof were a very popular aftermarket accessory in Australia, and fitted to many cars in the late 1970s. The sunroof created a seal by using the vacuum created by the cars inlet manifold. A button on the dashboard allowed the user to release the pressure, and open the roof by hand. Despite the sunroof being available through an aftermarket supplier, the Sunshine was technically a factory model. Early cars are believed to have been fitted by Auto Sun and Air Pty Ltd, however, later cars are believed to have been fitted at the Enfield plant from the factory. Only 360 are believed to have been made. Check out the BMC experience article for more information.
The cars are effectively a Leyland Mini "S" with a sunroof. Therefore, they have all of the Mini S features such as cloth face seats and door cards (two-tone), flares on the guards, radio (with centre mounted roof antenna), 3-guage dash, Rostyle wheels, unique decals, plus tinted side / rear windows.
The sunshine came out in three colours Red-scarlett o'hara, Yellow- Yellow devil & Green- Jade Green the rarest model with only a few in existence.