When the Mini was introduced in 1959 it was fitted with a 51/2-gaUon petrol tank. At around 40mpg from the 848cc engine this gave a safe range of about 200 miles. This was in line with most other cars of the period and, considering the road network and the type of journeys that were usual at the time, was therefore entirely acceptable. Petrol stations were much more plentiful back then with just about every town and village having at least one. The 51/2- gallon tank was just about adequate for the 1961 997cc Mini Coopers too, provided they weren't driven too hard. Enter the Cooper S, though, and a greater capacity was soon felt to be needed, especially for longer distance journeys and in competition. The problem was sorted with the offer of an optional extra fuel tank, on the right-hand side, which doubled the fuel capacity. It was optional on the Cooper S at first and then became standard on the S. The additional tank was also available for all Mini saloons from BMC Special Tuning and quite a few sub-Cooper Ss were fitted with one.
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