Description
1971 Austin Mini Mk 3 1275 Cooper S in factory Teal blue with original Lime Flower interior trim. This very special mini Cooper S was understood to have been bought new by its first owner from John Sprinzel Garage who was also associated with Graham Hill. The owner lived locally to the garage in London. It was used until 1980 when it was stored and off the road until it was bought by its last owner in 2006. When found it was showing just 29000 miles. It was recommissioned and checked through and was original with its factory paint. In its original state it was driven to the National Mini Show at Beaulieu where Simon Wheatcroft (Mini Cooper Register MK 3 Cooper S registrar) saw it for the first time. Simon has now known this mini for the last 15 years and thinks highly of its originality and history. He valued the mini in 2019 in its current condition at £40, 000 (written copy available). After a few trips to Beaulieu over the years the last owner decided to repaint the mini so to bring it back a lovely paint finish. To so restore the car to a high standard that would last, there was a need for a few new panels so to remove any rust which might otherwise return in future years. Remarkably the sills and floors are all original and still have their factory coatings. The floor pans have their original FF numbers and even the door skins are original with no door mirrors. The engine was removed and the original subframes have been refurbished and powder coated. The engine had the cylinder head converted to run on unleaded petrol. The interior is all original and in remarkable condition. The carpets are also original and being 51 years old do show their age, which I prefer to new ones as it is only original once! This is a 2 owner Cooper S which has now covered 30150 miles and is one of the very best examples known to the Cooper S Register. Since buying it I have fitted a new crank oil seal and new clutch, new rear brake cylinders and shoes and a new steering rack and track rod ends. It is now driving well and is refined and responsive. It feels very special and unique and would make a wonderful addition to any quality car collection. Finding examples of this quality, originality and low ownership is very rare. Feel delivery to your door in my curtain sided van within 200 miles of Tiverton.
