Highlights
- Subject to a comprehensive restoration, recorded in a series of photographs
- Cooper S specification running gear fitted for a period-correct high-performance Mini driving experience
- Hardly used since the completion of the restoration
The Appeal
Made famous by the likes of Paddy Hopkirk on the European rally circuit and on-screen in The Italian Job, the humble Mini’s high-performance ‘Cooper’ versions were among the most capable sports cars of the 1960s.
Today, original examples are rare and highly sought after to the extent they’re near-unobtainable to most enthusiasts. That’s where well-executed evocations like this come in. To all intents and purposes, this 1963 MkI Mini offers a practically identical driving experience to that of its Cooper S cousins. The only difference is that it left the factory as a normal Mini - something that’s of no consequence now other than to its rarity value.
Even if you can afford an original, you’d be brave to drive it as John Cooper intended with the risk of damaging a piece of motoring history, making this beautifully finished evocation even more tempting. Restored to a high standard with period-accurate running gear and new heritage panels, this Mini is ready to enjoy.
The History and Paperwork
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- Barely driven since completion of the restoration
- Based on a 1963 MkI Austin Mini
- V5C present
- UK-supplied right-hand drive example
- Eight former registered keepers
- A photographic record documents the restoration work
The Condition
- The bodywork was fully stripped, repaired and refinished during the restoration
- New heritage panels restored and fitted as necessary including the boot lid, door skins, bonnet and wings
- Very smart underside with matching body colour finish
- No signs of damage or corrosion
- There are very few imperfections to the paint, bodywork and trim - certainly nothing noteworthy
- Period ‘Mamba’ ally wheels fitted
- ‘Cooper S’ badging
- Cobra bucket seats now fitted
- Sports steering wheel
- Three-dial central instrument binnacle in good visual order
- The upholstery and carpeting presents very well
- Smart headlining
The Mechanics
- 1,293 cc A Series l4 engine
- Twin SU carburettors
- Accuspark coil ignition
- Aluminium uprated radiator
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Well-presented engine bay
- The vendor informs us that this Mini drives very well indeed and is immense fun
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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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 deposit. 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 and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓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. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
