Mini most frugal

Press, 29 October 1977, Page 60

Mini most frugal

PA Wellington A Leyland Mini, driven by Laurie Cromie and John Stubbs, of Rakaia, looks the certain winner in this year’s Mobil economy run. After the fourth day, the Mini is leading with an average fuel consumption of 52.73 miles per gallon. A run information officer, Gayle Pike, said in Taupo last night there appeared "no way the Mini could be overtaken by other competitors with a lead of 7 m.p.g. over the next car."

Cromie and Stubbs are veteran competitors in the run and have taken part since the early sixties. Since they left Auckland on Tuesday the cars have travelled 1485 km at an average speed of 61.8km/h.

Yesterday’s run was over 371.73 km in perfect weather from Gisborne, through Wairoa, past Lake Waikaremoana and on to Taupo. The cars travelled over narrow, winding metal roads for 60 per cent of the distance.

Today the cars leave Taupo to finish in Auckland via Wairakei, Whakamaru, Bennydale, Te Kuiti and Hamilton. Over-all results after four days: Class A (up to 1350 cu. cm): Leyland Mini, 52.73 miles per gallon (5.35 litres per 100 kilometres), 1; Datsun 120 Y, 45.72 (6.17), 2; Honda Civic, 45.68 (61.8), 3; Chevette. 45.54 (6.2), 4; Toyota Corolla, 44.31 (6.37), 5. Class B (1351 to 2000 cu. cm): Isuzu Gemini, 42.03 (6.72), I; Mitsubishi Celeste, 39.8 (7.09), 2; Subaru 1600, 39.31 (7.18), 3; Austin Maxi, 38.83 (7.27) 4; Escort Sport 1600, 33.45 (7.34), 5. Class C (over 2001 cu. cm): Triumph 2.5, 33.87 (7.87), 1; Holden Klngswood 3.3, 26.98 (10.47), 2; Ford Falcon Automatic, 24.93 (11.3), 3; Valiant . Kegal 6P, 20.56 (13.73), 4.