• Last of the sliding windows and external door hinge models

• From the final year of Mk2 production

• Heritage Certificate

• Recent remedial work to a high standard

• Good history file

The history of the revolutionary Mini is well documented; its impact socially, culturally and mechanically should not be underestimated.  The Swinging Sixties, free love, The Beatles, Twiggy and the Mini are inexorably entwined representing an era that is remembered with great fondness by many people. The side story is the Mini's impact on motorsport and this is no less extraordinary.

Issigonis' friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula One cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. The original 848cc engine was given a longer stroke to increase capacity to 997cc, boosting power from 34bhp to 55bhp. The car featured a race-tuned engine, twin SU carburettors, a closer-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, all uncommon features on a small car of the time. 

The Mk2 Cooper followed in 1967 until 1969 and had a different bore and stroke to the original 997cc engines, giving a capacity of 998cc. Retaining the sliding side windows and external door hinges of the Mk1, it featured a larger rear window and a different grille amongst other updates.

The Heritage Certificate from 1987 on file tells us that this Cooper was built in August 1969, and supplied to S & S Ltd of Acton, London, and the registration was completed in December. Originally delivered in Sandy Beige with a Snowberry White roof it appears to have changed to red sometime in the early 80s. Between 1969 and 1981 it covered had 51,000 miles.

There have been a few owners, and it appears they have all looked after the Cooper and the condition reflects this today. Now with a mileage of just under 66,000 it is in overall great condition having benefitted from recent work and expense.

There is plenty to be learnt regarding the Cooper’s past from the file.  There are lots of invoices and bills dating back to the early 80s, along with old MoTs and Tax discs.  There are letters from previous owners, lists of work completed and plenty of invoices that demonstrate the care that has been taken by all the owners keeping the Cooper in good condition.

In November this year the Cooper was treated to new inner sills and rear floor pans at a cost of £2,916 and a carburettor rebuild and replacement fuel hoses and a tune up costing £673.

On the inside the Cooper appears to be mostly original.  The black seats look to be original, these being standard for the Mk2 Cooper, unlike the Mk1 which had two tone seats. There is a small tear (pictured) on the edge of the passenger seat, but apart from that they are in good condition front and rear.  The carpets are clean as is the roof lining. 

The simple dash area is all standard for the Mk2, retaining the centre positioned ignition key and gauges.  The steering wheel is a later, aftermarket replacement, but it looks right for the period.  Although not Concours the interior has a nice period charm.

The exterior of the Mini presents well, the red paint glowing in the winter sun on the day of our visit. There are areas where the finish is a little matt, but nothing that looks out of place, or would mar enjoyment of the Cooper.  At some stage a previous owner has added plastic wheel arch extensions to allow for wider tyres. 

These have been well installed and add to the purposeful stance of the Cooper.  The Minilite wheels are all smart and clean, and have matching Kelly Springfield tyres which have some age related cracking to the sidewalls.  The spare is an unused Camac mounted on a steel wheel in the boot. It also just had new front pattern floor pans and inner sills fitted along. The chrome all has a good shine with very little evidence of pitting.

The Morris Cooper badges are all correct, and the new owner could take pride in the appearance without worrying about using the Cooper as intended.

Starting easily and sounding healthy, the Cooper has obviously benefitted from its recent tune up. 

The Vendor says it drives well, with dart like handling and enough power to provide an entertaining drive.  The engine bay is pleasingly original with nothing that looks out of place. The chassis plates match the Heritage certificate, although it appears at some stage it has had a replacement engine, perhaps from an earlier Cooper. 

There is no evidence of oil leaks in the engine bay or oil underneath. The underside is clean with fresh underseal from its recent floor pan work.

Early Minis are popular for many reasons.  Firstly they have universal appeal; everybody loves the cheeky looks.  With roads crowded with cumbersome SUVs , early Minis stand out, and not just because they are so small! 

Mini drivers always look like they are having fun, none more so than those behind the wheel of an original Cooper.  If you haven’t tried one then perhaps now’s the time?

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