Description
For sale by auction on Saturday 23rd September 2023 with Historics auctions.
Registration HUY 688C
Chassis Number CA2S7732409
Odometer reading 78969
Estimate £47000-£52000
The notion that the Mini might have a future as anything other than basic transport was an anathema and the idea of a high-performance version was laughable. One man though, saw it quite differently. Racing car manufacturer John Cooper already knew quite a bit about tuning BMC's A-Series engine, he was running the company's Formula Junior effort at the time and a test drive in a prototype Mini convinced him of the car's competition potential. The Mini Cooper soon established its credentials as a rally and race winner and the stage was set for even faster versions. The first of these, the 1071cc Mini Cooper 'S' of 1963, took engine development a stage further and provided the basis for the 971 'S' and 1275 'S' of 1964.
This original Mini Cooper S is presented in Old English White with a black roof and was barn stored for over 20 years. Starting its life in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, it was in long term family ownership from new until recently. Under the present ownership, the car has been completely recommissioned, not using off the market parts but using all its original components which have been recommissioned. This fabulous Mini retains its original interior and boot board. Bernard Griffin was instructed to completely rebuild the 1275 engine and gearbox using new old stock parts. Bernard Griffin is the leading specialist in the original BMC works Minis' of the 1960s. This 1275 Cooper S engine is superb and is as lively as it was when new! This is a great opportunity to purchase an iconic British sports car synonymous with the 1960s, made famous in particular by Paddy Hopkirk's Monte Carlo Rally exploits in this era.
