Description
We are delighted to offer for sale this truly exceptional 1966 Austin Mini 998 Cooper in factory Tweed Grey, with an Old English White Roof.
Having been with the previous owner for over 27 years, the car was treated is to a complete restoration in 2016, which was completed in 2017.
Carried out by a Classic Mini specialist, the bodyshell, subframes, engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electrics and interior have all been refurbished, replaced or rebuilt at a cost of over £28, 000. At the same time, the car was fitted with a number of Cooper S upgrades.
The bodyshell restoration involved a full strip of the exterior and interior trim, engine and gearbox and both subframes. The shell then went through a sandblasting process, before being rebuilt. All rusty body and floor panels, were replaced with genuine Heritage panels, where possible, before being repainted. The underside was also treated with Gravitex underseal, before also being repainted.
The interior is mostly original, with new sound deadening, carpets, rubber seals all round and a leather bound Motolita steering wheel. A high quality immobiliser and GPS tracker has been fitted for security purposes.
The original high compression Mini Cooper engine was fully stripped, to ascertain the rebuilding requirements. The 998 cc engine has been rebored to 1045 cc. It has a ported head with larger valves, a fast road camshaft, polished crank, balanced con rods and free flow manifold and RC40 rear silencer. The gearbox was rebuilt and electronic ignition fitted.
Both subframes and all suspension components were sandblasted and either powder coated, or finished in 2 pack black gloss. The subframes were then rebuilt, using new bushes and bolts throughout. The car still has its factory hydrolastic suspension, but with competition bump stops front and rear.
The brakes have been upgraded to 7. 5 inch Cooper S discs and callipers, with Cooper S master cylinder and servo. It has Cooper S 10 x 4. 5 inch wheels on Falken tyres, specifically designed as a sporting option for the Classic Mini. To give a longer range it also has twin fuel tanks as in the Cooper S.
This is a matching numbers car, showing an indicated 55K miles. Past MOT certificates in the documents file, dating back to 1995, support this mileage. Current MOT until May 2024.
Now nicely run in having covered around 2000 miles since its restoration, the car is ready to be enjoyed and to delight at shows.
This is a superb example of a MK1 Mini Cooper, which has been restored to the highest level and which looks stunning and drives superbly.
It looks like a Mini Cooper S, but one in this condition, built to this specification, would be considerably more expensive.
For a full written description, over 100 HD photos of the car (including photos of the underside), as well as video walkarounds, please click on the link to our website above, or to have a chat, please call us on the no. also listed above.
