Beschreibung
CDV 132C is a RHD Home Market UK supplied Cooper that left the factory in Tartan Red with Black roof, with Red and Gold upholstery. The Mini was built on the 18th March 1965, despatched a day later and then supplied new by Phil Read Limited, Torquay. During the 1980’s, the Mini was laid up with a recorded mileage of 63100 and it then spent around 30 years partially stripped down awaiting restoration. Since completion of a magnificent restoration in 2019, the Mini Cooper MKI has covered just 150 miles.
In 2017 the Mini was sold, still awaiting rebuild and over the next two years was subject of a full bare shell rebuild with invoices, photos and details well documented. Due to various poor body repairs, the owner decided to fully rebuild the shell using new parts from Heritage Panels and M Machine Metals and Engineering. The shell was rebuilt to its original specification with two new front wings, two inner wings, two inner and outer A panels a complete floor pan, front toe board, boot floor, two companion boxes, two rear wheel arches, front windscreen surround, two door skins, and various small finishing and closing panels.
Whilst the shell was with a professional body restoration firm in Cambridgeshire, repairs on the mechanical components were underway. The engine was stripped down and the crankshaft re-ground for 20" mains and 20" big end bearings. The pistons and cylinder bores were checked and found to be in excellent condition suggesting the mileage as genuine. The original D top pistons were fitted with new rings, the cylinder bores were honed, and the cylinder head de-coked with the valves and seats re-cut and new valve springs fitted. The engine was then rebuilt with a new oil pump and Duplex timing chain along with new seals and gaskets. The gearbox was stripped and assessed, the gears and layshaft found to be in very good condition so the gearbox only required new baulk rings and bearings. The gearbox was then re-assembled and fitted with new gaskets. A new clutch centre plate was fitted, along with a new master cylinder, slave cylinder and clutch arm.
The brakes were upgraded to Cooper S specification with new 7. 5" discs, front brake calipers, pads, dust shields and CV joints. The whole braking system was re-commissioned with a new brake master cylinder, brakes hoses, pipes, rear wheel cylinders, brake shoes and handbrake cables. The suspension was checked over and the hydrolastic displacers found to be serviceable so only the front to rear pipes were replaced. The rear subframe was completely replaced with a new unit and the rear radius arms were overhauled. All four knuckle joints were replaced. The steering rack was rebuilt with new bushes, bearings, tie rods, track rod ends and boots, and the exhaust system replaced with a full system including three branch manifold. The fuel system was overhauled, the SU carbs overhauled, all rubbers and pipes checked and the electrics re-commissioned with rebuilt dynamo, renewed control box, new wiring harness and upgraded headlights. The cooling system was checked and required a new radiator, thermostat, water pump and all new hoses. The heater matrix was also replaced.
The bodyshell returned from restoration in 2018 and was then taken to a local Bodyshop for a complete bare metal re-paint in the cars original colours. The shell was then built back up with renewed brightwork, all mechanicals refitted to the car and a brand new interior from Newton Commercials fitted. The build up process was completed to an exceptionally high standard ensuring it was detailed and finished to a show standard level. On completion the Mini was put through an MOT test at 63, 166 miles and since completion has only covered 150 miles. The Mini arrived with us for the first time in 2020 and sold prior to marketing, and now returns to us having covered minimal mileage, and still in top class condition worthy of picking up prizes. This outstanding example has had in the region of £20, 000 spent alone on parts before labour, so the reality is a true cost of over £50, 000 to rebuild to this standard.
