The Mini is recognised as one of Britain's most iconic cars ever produced. It was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and manufactured by English-based company British Motor Corporation. It was Sir Alec Issigonis’ friend, Mr John Cooper, the owner of Cooper Car Company who was a designer and builder of Formula One cars, who saw great potential in the Mini for competition use.
After much deliberation, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper. Following the success of the Mk1 and Mk2 Mini Cooper S, came the Mk3 Cooper S, which is somewhat of a rare model. With approximately 1,570 units produced, the right for British Leyland to use the Cooper name ended in 1971, which is why so few were made.
This lovely example was built on the 23rd April 1971, and went to a dealer in Ireland. The car sat in the showroom until late 1971, when the previous keeper purchased it as a Christmas present for his wife and then registered it at the beginning of 1972.
In 1986, still with the original keeper, there was some corrosion to the car, and the owner decided instead of having the car repaired, he would buy a new bodyshell from his local Austin Rover dealer, who also sprayed the new shell. It was registered with the DVLA in 1980, which is when the owner moved from Belfast to Scotland. The keeper then had an engine rebuild in 2000, along with some suspension work, which is documented in the extensive paperwork file. He finally sold it in 2012 after a 41-year ownership to our vendor, who has owned it for the past 13 years.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
V5C present
Registered 1st September 1980 (when the car came from Ireland)
Declared manufactured on 23rd April 1971
Original owners manual
Original sales invoice
The car was re-shelled in 1986 with a new bodyshell purchased from Taggarts Austin Rover (invoice included)
The reason for the re-shell was corrosion on the original bodyshell
The new body was also sprayed by Taggarts Austin Rover (invoice included)
Rebuilt engine in 2000
Extensive history
Coming from a ten-year ownership
THE INTERIOR
Very well presented
Original seats
The blue vinyl seats are in excellent condition for their age. There is some slight sagging to the driver's seat but no damage
The passenger seat and rear seat are in good order
The instruments are working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of 21,014 miles; this is said to be 121,014 miles
The switchgear has some patina but works as it should
The headlining is excellent, with no stains or sagging
The carpets have been replaced at some stage but are in excellent condition
Inside the boot are twin petrol tanks as standard with the Cooper S. The carpet is in good condition, and the spare wheel has a new tyre
THE EXTERIOR
Finished in Bronze Yellow
The paintwork presents very well. There are a few minor blemishes, but nothing excessive
As mentioned, this is a new bodyshell purchased from Leyland in 1986. As it was a new shell, the original chassis number was used. It is also a slightly later shell
Panel gaps look to be equal
No dings or dents were spotted when looking around the car
The chrome work is in excellent condition and has minimal signs of any tarnishing
Headlights are free from any chips in the lenses
The grille is nice and straight with no bent slats
The aluminium trim, which runs over the wheel arches and sills, is in good condition with no kinks
The windows are the originals and have been etched with the registration number. There are some light scratches to the front door windows
The window seals look in good condition with no perishing
Rear light lenses are free from any splits or cracks
Steel wheels have been finished in silver with a chrome hubcap
A matching set of Nankang tyres are fitted, which are like new
THE MECHANICS
1293cc engine
The engine was fully rebuilt in 2000
Twin SU carbruettors
The Mini can run on unleaded fuel
With a flick of the key, the Mini Cooper S fires into life
No issues have been reported by the vendor with the running of the car
Four-speed gearbox
New bearings were fitted to the differential in 2000
The gear change is as you would expect
The hydrolastic suspension system is in use and works as it should
No knocks or bangs are coming from the suspension
There were some new suspension parts installed in 2000
The underside of the car is said to have never had any welding carried out
The brakes bring the Mini Cooper S to a stop in a straight line and with no juddering through the pedal
Occasionally there is a rattle noted from exhaust area at front of car, however exhaust is in sound condition.
SUMMARY
This is quite a rare opportunity to own one of around 1,570 Mk3 Mini Cooper S produced. It had a new body shell in 1986, which is said to have never had any welding carried out, and the underside presents very well. The engine was rebuilt in 2000 at around 97,000 miles, and it now happily runs on unleaded petrol.
Perfect for any Mini fan who is looking for a very original car with plenty of period charm. The last of the original Cooper S from British Leyland. Will you be the one to become its third owner in 52 years?
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.*
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
