Highlights
- Original Cooper 998cc, upgraded to a Cooper S 1296cc engine
- Taka Hira cane upholstery, inspired by a Hooper car commissioned by Peter Sellers, rarely seen
- Current ownership since the 1980s
- Full service history with invoices dating back to 1987
The Appeal
To explain this Mini's unique appearance, you have to look to legendary Mini enthusiast Peter Sellers. In the 1960s, the actor ordered a bespoke Mini from Radford at a cost of £2,600 (€3,130) - around four times the price of a standard car. It was lavishly equipped, but perhaps the most unusual detail was the hand-painted cane trim.
This detail attracted the attention of eccentric Mini enthusiasts, and a number of companies began offering conversion kits or decals to imitate the style. Taka Hari's caning kit was among the most popular, but even then it's rare to see one of these distinctive caning patterns intact.
But that's not all! This elegant Mini was originally a rare Cooper 'S' 998cc, and has since been upgraded with a much more dynamic A-Series 1296cc engine. This charming car has been in the care of its current owner since the 1980s, and is accompanied by a full service history dating back to 1987, including a certificate of authenticity.
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1964
- Originally painted in tartan red
- Repainted in the current almond green
- The caning kit appears to be old
- Based on this, the modification may well have been carried out in the 1960s
- Improved to rally specification by Downton of Wiltshire
- In the hands of the current owner since the 1980s
- MOT expired in April 2024
- Odometer shows 00,003 km on a five-digit counter, after going round the counter
Accompanied by:
- Full service history with invoices dating back to 1987
- Certificate of authenticity
- Original manuals and booklets
- Vintage Austin Road Atlas of Great Britain
- London Automobile Club Certificate of Recognition
- Many spares including badges, trim and window panels
The Condition
- Body shows age-appropriate wear
- Slight corrosion around the rocker panels
- No visible dents or dings
- One of the doors has been replaced and is a slightly different shade of green
- The paintwork is a little tired in places, with chips, cracks and a little texture.
- The hand painted Taka Kira canework shows slight wear and discoloured areas
- Some loose sealing areas
- Rally modifications with belts and clips
- Numerous period stickers
- The underside appears solid with only light wear
- Interior is in generally good condition
- Some seat stitching has come loose
- Fitted with roll bar, belts and rally seats
- Features a kill switch and even a pocket watch holder on the steering wheel
- The front colour-matched bucket seats are in generally good condition
- Rear seats are a little tired
- Roof lining in good condition
- The boot is in good condition
The Mechanics
- Newly rebuilt A-Series engine
- Upgraded to an impressive Cooper S 1296cc displacement
- Clean engine compartment in very good condition
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Recent repairs: gearbox seal and correction of a handbrake fault
- The seller mentions a very dynamic driving experience thanks to a self-locking roller differential
- No mechanical problems reported
- The car is ready for the road