Please note: Photographed with a prior cherished plate. The current registration is ‘80 MEM’ which is also cherished and will be retained by the private vendor, so the car will be returned to a ‘J’ registration at the time of sale.

Highlights

Renowned Mk3 hand-built by BL engineer (and friend of Issigonis)
Believed to be the sole survivor of five Cooper S’s by Denes Morvay…
Morvay used a Genuine Cooper S shell. He used dry suspension build, but all other mechanicals were correct Cooper S Spec
Body restored in 2014 by The Z Farm of Yorkshire
1,293cc engine rebuilt by Southam Mini Metro Centre
Gearbox rebuilt during the mechanical work
Large history file documenting the car's origins and maintenance
Featured in Mini Magazine and shown at Mini Cooper Register events
Recent voluntary MOT with no advisories and will be presented for a new MOT prior to sale

The Appeal

The Mk3 Cooper S was the final flourish for motoring’s giant killer, introducing subtle changes like wind-up windows, internal hinges and a larger rear window along with other changes that make these cars quieter and more comfortable than their predecessors. They’re the rarest variant too, with just 1,572 leaving the works.

This 1971 car, likely amongst the last of Cooper S built, is even rarer and more special still. Hand-built by Denes Morvay, a BL fuel engineering expert and friend of Issigonis. The story goes that Morvay was disappointed by BL’s early 70s quality, and frankly who wasn’t, so decided to hand-build five Cooper S cars using genuine shells and parts. This car is believed to be the first of those and the sole survivor. Correspondence between Morvay and one of the car’s previous keepers, Lotus racer Malcolm Johnson, confirms the story. The history file includes his letter, photographs of two of his other builds, correspondence detailing the research, engine rebuild documentation with rolling road graphs, and a list of all registered keepers.

Since the bodies were removed from Longbridge before being allocated XAD-prefix VINs, they use the B20D-prefix body number, which this one retains. It was first registered in Oxfordshire on 18 May 1971, just weeks before Cooper S production ceased.

As you can see in the photos, the car is in great condition, retaining period-correct Tartan Red with Old English White colour combination and sporting neat accessories like the SEV Marshal driving lamps, Carmona Minilite-style wheels, and Group 2 arch extensions. Extensively restored in 2014 by The Z Factory, the engine was rebuilt and upgraded by Southam Mini Metro Centre. The gearbox has also been rebuilt. The professional modifications deliver a recorded power output of 93bhp. Whether you’re here for this Cooper S’ fascinating history or seduced by its impressive power and purposeful stance, it deserves close attention. This is a beautiful and rare example with an interesting history, characteristic of its period, with a story woven from the challenges facing manufacturers at the start of the 1970s.

Key Information

Mileage: 3,461 miles indicated (total mileage is likely to be higher)
Approximately 1,250 miles covered in the last 10 years
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: fresh MOT to be provided prior to sale
Technical specs: 1,293cc four-cylinder petrol, 4spd manual transmission
Paperwork: V5, large history file including letter from builder Denes Morvay,
engine rebuild details with rolling road graphs, list of all previous registered
keepers, and various service invoices
Registration: private plates MEM8 / 80 MEM are not included. At the time of editing, the VIN links to 80MEM which is also not included
The car will be supplied with a brand new MOT prior to sale
Vehicle will be returned to period ‘J’ registration number

The Detail

Body restored in 2014 by The Z Farm of Yorkshire in original colour
scheme
Smart Tartan Red with Old English White coachwork in very good order
Straight, flush-fitting panels
No advisories on last MOT in March 2025. Car sold with fresh MOT
Black vinyl interior in good order with some additional switches and dials
1275 GT door cards, reclining front seats, Race Tech rev counter, and
Mountney steering wheel
Engine rebuilt by specialist Southam Mini Metro Centre with upgrades
listed below
Displayed private plate 'MEM 8' is no longer allocated to this vehicle

Mechanical rebuild details:

New pistons
New bearings
Crank reground and balanced (Nitrided EN40B crank from an earlier car)
Liners fitted to block
Rebored by +0. 020 to give 1293cc
Swiftune SW5 billet camshaft
Vernier Duplex timing gear
Cylinder head prepared to fast road/ track day spec
35.7mm inlet and 31mm exhaust valves
Gearbox rebuilt with new baulk rings
Crosspin differential
Maniflow centre exit exhaust
Adjustable dampers
New rubber front springs with Hi-Lo trumpets
93bhp at the wheels confirmed by rolling road print out

Period fittings include:

4 SEV Marshal 8” driving lamps
Bootlid Lucas reversing lamp
Period 5x10” Italian Carmona Minilite style wheels (currently on matching Yokohama ADVAN performance tyres
Period correct Group 2 style arch extensions

The results of the mechanical rebuild deliver a very well balanced driving experience, which delivers speed with comfort and good control. The Cooper S is reported as being very responsive and enjoyable to drive.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.