Built with original Mini Cooper S parts and prepared for motorsport use
Motorsport provenance including sprints and hillclimbs at Aintree, Loton Park, and New Brighton
Accompanied by spare engines, gearboxes, and assorted period spares
Large history file of invoices, parts records, and work records
The Appeal
The Mark 1 Mini, or Morris Mini Minor as it was badged when it hit the market in 1959, is still one of the most iconic cars ever built. These were the early days of Issigonis's legendary little city car, and it is rightly credited with genuinely changing the world and capturing British identity like no other.
This 1963 example was built up by a previous owner on a new body shell using original Mini Cooper S components, and specifically prepared for Motor Sprint use at the New Brighton Speed Trials. It has been in the current owner's hands for approximately 33 years, having been bought from Esso Motor Engineer Claud Clarke in Birkenhead.
Power comes from a 1,275cc MG Metro engine fitted some 30 years ago, equipped with an S cylinder head, Weber carburettor, oil cooler, and straight-through exhaust. The car is said to be capable of over 100 mph and recorded a time of 75.76 seconds at Loton Park Hill Climb. Inside, period Cobra seats with red Williams harnesses set the tone, complemented by a Les Leston steering wheel and a dashboard fitted with a full set of period gauges. The tartan-and-black-roof colour scheme, chrome Deluxe Model details, and pull-cord door openers all add to its period charm.
The vendor notes the car runs and pulls well but, having sat for some time, will benefit from fettling and a tune. Recent work includes a new clutch slave cylinder, battery, and fuel pump. A substantial haul of spares accompanies the sale, including the original 850 engine and gearbox, a square-cut four-speed wand gearbox, a spare 1,098cc engine and gearbox, and boxes of period parts and manuals. A Mini Club and Insurance Agreed Valuation is in place.image.png4.81 MB
Fitted with a 1,275cc MG Metro engine with S cylinder head, Weber carburettor, oil cooler, and straight-through exhaust
Anti-roll bars front and rear, disc brakes at the front, drum brakes at the rear, and steel drive shafts
4.5 J S wheels with cambered wheel toe-in setup
7-gallon Mini Metro petrol tank replacing the original 5-gallon tank
All brake and fuel copper pipes run internally
New clutch slave cylinder fitted in 2025
New battery and new fuel pump both fitted in 2026
New brake calipers and pads fitted in recent years
Records show regular oil and filter changes using Castrol Classic Oil 20/50, and brake and clutch fluid changes
The vendor states the car runs and pulls well but will need fettling and a tune after a period of sitting
Period Cobra seats at the front with red Williams seat belt harnesses; original black rear seats retained
Classic Les Leston small steering wheel fitted
Radiomobile/Motorola radio and period 8-track stereo under the rear seat, reported in working order
Dashboard fitted with speedo, rev counter, amp gauge, and fuel gauge with period wiring
Original red carpets with some new mats; heater, all lights, wiper switches, and rear wiper all reported working
Paint described by the vendor as original and in reasonable condition, with some red fade and some tin worm on the front upper guards
The vendor reports chrome is in good condition, including grille with oil cooler vent, bumpers with overriders, and all door handles with working locks
Underside described as sound and solid; inner and outer sills welded a number of years ago
Twin period air horns and isolation switch fitted under the bonnet
Doors retain original pull-cord opening; rear window frames open in chrome (Deluxe Model)
Spare engines and gearboxes included: original 850 engine and gearbox, square-cut four-speed wand gearbox, and a spare 1,098cc engine and gearbox
Original lap and diagonal seat belts and assorted spares included in boxes
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