Highlights

Very early Cooper S 1275 used as demonstrator for three years
Current keeper since 1979 with only two previous keepers
History known to the current owner from new
Engine rebored to 1,298cc shortly before being taken off the road
Offered as a restoration project with all removed parts included

The Appeal

Dropping the 1,275cc A-Series engine into the Mini finally made the little Cooper a proper giant-killer. In this specification, Paddy Hopkirk ran rings around bigger machinery to nab the outright win on the '64 Monte.

In the same year as that incredible win, this Mk1 Cooper S 1275 left the works. Chassis records indicate that it is car number 460 of around 3,000 built that year, making it one of the earliest surviving examples. The vendor says it spent its first three years as a demonstrator, then had three subsequent owners. He acquired it in 1979, telling us he knew the previous owner because he worked at the garage that maintained it. The engine and gearbox have been replaced, with the latter rebored to 1,298cc before the car was put into storage.

Now offered as a restoration project, the car has been partially stripped, with the offside front guard removed. Some parts, including the front windscreen, have also been taken off and are included. The owner is unable to complete the work personally due to illness, presenting an opportunity for a new custodian to take on a Cooper S with a genuinely traceable history and bring it back to life.

The vendor says:

"I love everything about it, and still reckon the Mini is one of the best cars to drive. If I hadn't been struck down with this illness, I would have got this car back on the road myself."

Key Information

Mileage: 21,993 miles indicated (actual mileage is likely to be higher)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Roadworthy status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 1,275cc four-cylinder inline petrol (rebored to 1,298cc), four-speed manual
Paperwork: No service history available

The Detail

Used as a demonstration vehicle for the first three years of its life
Previous owner had a replacement engine fitted
Replacement gearbox fitted circa 1980
Engine rebored to 1,298cc, we are told, and is not currently running
Handbrake modified to operate in reverse for quick release
Door handles modified with 'spin foils' that spin round when locked
Vehicle has been stored in a shed for many years
Damp carpet placed on the roof has caused damage to the roof paintwork
Partial strip-down commenced: offside front guard, offside A-pillar panel, and offside door have been removed
Front windscreen and some interior dash parts also removed
Front seats show wear and tear
Vehicle requires a full refurbishment

BEFORE YOU BUY

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