Descripción
MK1 Mini Cooper S 1275 – Original Speedwell Owned, Factory Demonstrator.
PROVISIONALLY SOLD
This is a unique chance to buy an immaculately restored MK1 Mini Cooper S, with an exceptional history.
The Mini Cooper S was introduced in 1963 & by the mid 1960’s it was the cornerstone of the performance tuning industry with companies like Speedwell, Downton & Taurus offering a variety of high performance, high value conversions to the more discerning driver.
The Tweed Grey over Old English White MK1 Mini Cooper S offered here was purchased by Speedwell Performance Conversions, the company owned by Formula 1 racing driver Graham Hill, in January 1966. Immediately after it was delivered to their Cornwall Road premises it underwent the full “Speedwell treatment”. This conversion was recorded on a set of over 120 full colour photographic slides that were taken at the time. Improvements were made to all aspects of the standard Mini Cooper S including a tuned 1293cc Engine, improvements to the suspension & to the interior décor. When completed this “new Speedwell model” was christened “The Speedwell 1300TC”, TC standing for Town Car.
The Speedwell TC was given a press launch at Goodwood & this actual car appeared in the May 1966 issue of Motorsport Magazine. When the 1300TC was reviewed by Motorsport, their conclusion was;
“At £994, you may be forgiven for thinking that this is just another expensive Mini. On the contrary, it represents value for money and, were it not for offspring complications. I would be quite content to use one permanently.”
The car was kept by Speedwell from Jan 1966 until July 1968 during that time it was used as a Customer demonstrator and used as fast city transport by the directors of the company. The car has been in the possession of it’s current owner for approximately 10 years, most of that time was spent researching & restoring the car to it’s original Speedwell specification & piecing together the fascinating history of this unique survivor. Since it’s completion it has appeared twice at Goodwood, the second occasion being by special request to guard the entrance to the March enclosure at the 2021 Revival.
The car is presented exactly as it appeared in the Colour slides that were taken in 1966. Correct down to the finest detail. This exceptional MK1 Mini Cooper S if offered with a large amount of history including the original blue log book, with SPEEDWEWLL PERFORMANCE CONVERSIONS recorded as the first keeper, a heritage certificate, copies of Motorsport Magazine from May 1966 in which the car featured, a copy of the Speedwell press release announcing the 1300TC & the forthcoming press day at Goodwood, various paperwork relating to the sale of car in 1968 & most importantly, the ORIGINAL colour slides of the car being converted at the Speedwell premises in 1966.
There are only two original Speedwell owned Minis in the world with a provenance as strong as this. This one & another Almond Green example currently in the Muruyama collection in Japan. This is a genuinely unique opportunity to own not only a stunning example of a MK1 Mini Cooper S, but one with a truly special history.
The car & the complete history file are being offered for private sale by the current registered keeper. Please feel free to contact me for further details or to arrange a viewing. The car is currently situated in North Yorkshire.
