1965 Austin Mini Cooper S Radford
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Highlights
- Harold Radford conversion
- Recently Imported from the States (UK Taxes are Paid)
- Refreshed in 2013
- Presents extremely well
THE APPEAL
Suppose you wanted something extra special to make your Mini Cooper stand out from the rest and be fitted out with some of the most luxurious material available - then you would have gone to Harold Radford. From 1963 Radford Coachbuilders would transform the Mini into something elegant by remodelling the interior, improving switchgear and adding extra instruments, replacing the seats, trimming everything in leather and fitting lambswool carpets.
The exterior gained a new grille with recessed spotlights, a Webasto sunroof roof, soundproofing and a respray in the colour of your choice, plus many other modifications and improvements to create the most luxurious Mini possible.
The exterior gained a new grille with recessed spotlights, a Webasto sunroof roof, soundproofing and a respray in the colour of your choice, plus many other modifications and improvements to create the most luxurious Mini possible.
The vendor of this 1966 Mini Cooper S Radford imported the car from the States in 2022 after searching long and hard to find a Radford Mini. Having worked for Taurus and Broardspeed Mini Specialists in the 1960s, a Radford Mini has always been on the list of cars to go into his collection.
As you will see, the Mini is in excellent condition, having spent nearly all of its life in the sunny state of California. There has been some restoration work carried out in 2011, a complete interior retrim, and a full engine rebuild a couple of years later.
Unfortunately, the vendor has decided to part with his dream Mini just a short time after acquiring it because of health reasons, which will be a regrettable sale.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Imported from the State of California
- Yet to be registered in the UK
- Went straight into a private collection
- Driven from San Fransisco to San Diego by the vendor before exporting it to the UK
- No previous UK keepers
- Declared manufactured 8th February 1966
- Personal export to the USA on 25th February 1966
- An extensive amount of invoices for parts and work carried out
- British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate present
- Spare set of Minilite wheels which have been crack tested and refurbished
- Some other small spares included
THE INTERIOR
- Mini de Ville Grande Luxe specification
- Radford installed bucket seats
- Tan leather
- Beautiful condition
Inside the Radford Mini is in excellent condition. This was upgraded to the Miini de Ville Grande Luxe specification when Radford Coachworks carried out their conversion. Since then, the interior has been retrimmed in matching Tan leather at some point whilst in the States. The comfortable seats are in excellent condition, with no signs of wear. The rear seat is in the same condition, as are the door cards and quarter panel trims. Between the front seats, the centre console is in good condition and houses the electric window switches.
The dashboard is excellent and finished with a walnut-trimmed fascia and glovebox. The instruments all appear in good condition, with just a small amount of tarnishing to the bezels. These are reported to be working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of 9,062 miles. The toggle switches all appear to be in good order and work as they should. A Blaupunkt radio cassette player has been fitted, which is connected to Kenwood speakers mounted on the rear shelf. There is a wood rim three-spoke steering wheel and Cooper gearknob, and both are in good order with no real signs of wear.
The carpets are in excellent condition throughout the cabin. Looking up at the inside of the Webasto roof and headlining, there are a couple of minimal marks but nothing that shouldn’t clean off. Inside the boot is also clean and tidy. Two fuel tanks are fitted, and the spare wheel is present along with the wheel cover.
THE EXTERIOR
- Finished in Tartan Red and Gloss Black
- Webasto sunroof
- Lovely condition
The exterior of the Mini was refreshed in 2013, receiving a complete inside and out respray. Externally, the car was finished in what's believed to be the original shade of Tartan Red with a Gloss Black roof, and a new Webasto cloth sunroof was fitted. The mini presents itself extremely well, the panels align nicely, and the condition of the paint is excellent.
From the front, the headlights are reproduction Lucas PL700 and Lucas driving lights, and these are all in good condition with no chips or cracks to the lenses. The chrome bumpers and grille have some light polishing scratches but are nice and straight with no dings.
Looking down the sides of the car, there are no dings or dents, and the windows appear free from noticeable scratches. The chrome trim that runs around the car and the chrome window trims are in good condition but have some light age-related tarnishing. There have been dual side mirrors fitted and a roof-mounted aerial. The Webasto sunroof opens easily and sits nice and tight when closed.
At the rear, the boot sits square in its aperture, the bumper has just a small amount of tarnishing, the Austin Cooper S badges are in place and in excellent condition, and the rear light lenses are free from any splits or cracks. The rear number plate light is missing, but this would be a relatively easy item to fit. The window rubber is also in good order with no sign of perishing.
Fitted with 10” Minilight wheels, these are in very good condition with just a few minor marks and have the Radford centre caps included. The tyres are matching Yokohama A-008 Advan HF, which have a good amount of tread remaining.
THE MECHANICS
- Rebuilt and uprated 1293cc engine
- Alternator conversion
- Electronic ignition system
The engine in the Mini was rebuilt in late 2013-2014. The work was carried out by Seven Enterprises LTD, Auburn, California, and whilst with them, it is also said to have been upgraded with the addition of:
- 1293cc bottom end
- Hardened valve seats
- Elgin 103 camshaft
- Alternator conversion
- Pertonic electronic ignition system
- Weber 45 DCOE carburettor
- Electric fuel pump with cutout switch
- Heavy-duty radiator
The mini fires up without hesitation and no untoward noises are said to come from the engine bay. The four-speed gearbox is also said to have been rebuilt and has a smooth, trouble-free change. The exhaust is an RC40 stainless steel system with twin upswept tailpipes.
Keeping the Mini on the road, the suspension has been upgraded with Spax adjustable front dampers, Quinton Hazell U-joints, adjustable lower control and radius arms. No knocks or bangs are reported from the vendor, and the car is great fun to drive. With the improved performance, it also needs to stop well, and this is taken care of with Alfin rear drum brakes and front disc brakes, which bring the Mini to a stop in a straight line.
SUMMARY
Undoubtedly, this is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase the crème de la crème of Mini’s... A Radford Coadbuilders conversion. This Radford Mini is in excellent condition after spending 57 years in the States. With a refresh to the body in 2011, the engine has been upgraded, and the interior has been fully retrimmed.
One for the collectors and enthusiasts who can appreciate this rather special Mini Cooper S Radford.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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