Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
20th September, 2023 10:00
1964 Morris Mini Cooper S 1071
Estimate
£34, 000 - £38, 000
Registration No: BRT 971C
Chassis No: K-A2S4/ 563438
MOT: Exempt
Among the last Cooper S 1071 cars made and so not registered until January 1965
Originally specified with an oil cooler, 4. 5 inch wide wheel rims and 3. 44:1 final drive ratio
Self-evidently the subject of much past restoration work
Introduced a year before its ‘1275’ and ‘970’ siblings, the ‘1071’ was not only the original Cooper S derivative but also the first to conquer the Monte Carlo Rally. As well as subtle ‘S’ badges and inset vented nine-slot steel wheels, the newcomer sported overriders and corner nerf guards to its front / rear bumpers. Inside, the four-seater featured a 120mph speedometer, solid ashtray lid and carpeted boot board etc. Powered by a productionised (1071cc) version of the Formula Junior race unit that Morris Engines had developed, the model was primarily intended for competition use with Cooper S cars (in both Austin and Morris guises) soon becoming a familiar sight on racetracks and rally stages alike. Rarer than a ‘1275’ and more tractable than a ‘970’, the Cooper S ‘1071’ was only in production from March 7th 1963 – August 27th 1964 with a mere 4, 030 or so being completed.
According to its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis K-A2S4/ 563438 was built on 23rd June 1964 complete with a fresh air heater, oil cooler, 3. 44:1 final drive ratio and 4½ wide wheel rims. Despatched to The Morris Garages Ltd of Oxford two days later, it was not issued with the East Suffolk number plate ‘BRT 971C’ until January 1st 1965. A photocopied continuation logbook on file shows that the Mini has been repainted from its initial Tweed Grey to Red by the early 1970s. Self-evidently the subject of an extensive restoration in the past with parts being replaced or refurbished as necessary, the Cooper S remains highly presentable. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, the diminutive saloon is nicely detailed with a 1964-dated wiper motor, period ‘Paddy Hopkirk’ throttle pedal and authentic Coopers air filter sticker etc. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, BMIHT Certificate and sundry paperwork.
