Description
For sale is my Mk2 Austin Mini Cooper 1275 S. I bought RTR 57G in 2021 from a Mini enthusiast who had owned it since 2017. The owner before that owned it for in excess of 25 years and restored the car retaining much of the originality. Many of the parts have been refurbished rather than using reproduction parts.
In a rare colour - Sandy Beige with white roof – this was originally a demonstrator for Carey & Lambert who were the Austin dealership in Southampton, this Mini was registered with their private number HOW1E. It was built in September 1968 and after 6 months as the dealers demonstrator, it was sold to its first private owner and with the dealer plate removed, it was issued the number RTR 57G. The original buff logbook and heritage certificate are present as well as lots of old MOT’s, log books and history. This Cooper S is known to the Mini Cooper Register and has featured in their Cooper world magazine, copy included.
Whilst it was restored many years ago, this is still a nicely original Cooper S and entirely genuine - it is still in its original shell and colour, has its numbers matching engine complete with its original seats and most of the interior trim like the door cards, including the lovely factory recliners. It also remains on its correct fully working hydrolastic suspension. All the matching numbers are present which, as well as the engine and chassis numbers, include the Commission number, Front End number, Body number and the number in the front floor – it is believed to be the original floor as well. The bonnet and boot still have the very old sound deadening material, all believed to be original but I have replaced the bulkhead section as the original was in so many pieces! All the glass was dated and all but the windscreen and the rear offside quarter window are dated 1968 and therefore assumed to be original. The offside rear quarter window is dated June 1969 and the windscreen July 1971.
It has been fitted previously with new black veltone carpet for the front and rear but I still have the original factory veltone carpet for the rear, apparently uncovered under an aftermarket wool carpet that had been fitted earlier in its life. Even the number plates are from ‘Hills’ and expected to be the original number plates from new, all helping with the originality.
The engine and gearbox were fully rebuilt in 2020 by a respected Mini engine builder at a cost of around £10k. It had new omega pistons, an AC Dodd RS cam and new twin HS4 carbs with a new manifold together with an original and very rare unused Vortz air-box. The cylinder head has been ported and fitted with 36x31 race valves, bronze guides, double springs. The engine was dyno’d after the rebuild at 90bhp with 84 lbs/ ft of torque. The engine had only done around 1000 miles with the previous owner and very few with myself, probably less than that as it has been used infrequently. The original 1. 25 carbs, manifold and ‘coopers’ airbox have been retained and will be included in the sale price so that they remain with the car.
It sits nicely on an original set of 10” Minilites with good Yokohama A008 tyres.
The Coventry stamped radiator was recored and repainted by the last owner. The brake servo is the correct Lockheed unit which again was rebuilt and fully refurbished at the same time as the engine rebuild. Both the Smiths speedometer and the Smiths rev counter were also fully refurbished by Speedy Cables.
The previous owner added an electric fan in the front wheel arch which helps on the very hot days we now seem to have more regularly. There is also a Bluetooth radio and speakers which were fitted but I removed these, although they can be included if desired.
Also included at the asking price are the original Cooper S steel 4. 5” wheels and caps (stamped LP 833) so that the car retains its original parts and can be returned to the original factory appearance. There is also a working Hydrolastic pump and a correct steering wheel in immaculate condition, which I believe has been restored previously.
This is not a concours or heavily restored car – it was not professionally restored and does have some patina and signs of age and use. However as a Mk2 S it is not only a very rare and genuine car, it retains much of its originality and authenticity.
This is a private sale but there is a possibility of a p/ x or maybe swap/ trade with some cash your way for another interesting classic car or race car. Rear wheel drive only and preferably 6, 8 or 12 cylinder but others considered. No single seaters, American or ‘project’ vehicles.
If you need any further information or wish to view please feel free to message, the phone signal can be intermittent.
