Original Cooper 998cc, upgraded to a Cooper S 1296cc engine
Taka Hira cane upholstery, inspired by a Hooper car commissioned by Peter Sellers, rarely seen
Current ownership since the 1980s
Full service history with invoices dating back to 1987
The Appeal
To explain this Mini's unique appearance, you have to look to legendary Mini enthusiast Peter Sellers. In the 1960s, the actor ordered a bespoke Mini from Radford at a cost of £2,600 (€3,130) - around four times the price of a standard car. It was lavishly equipped, but perhaps the most unusual detail was the hand-painted cane trim.
This detail attracted the attention of eccentric Mini enthusiasts, and a number of companies began offering conversion kits or decals to imitate the style. Taka Hari's caning kit was among the most popular, but even then it's rare to see one of these distinctive caning patterns intact.
But that's not all! This elegant Mini was originally a rare Cooper 'S' 998cc, and has since been upgraded with a much more dynamic A-Series 1296cc engine. This charming car has been in the care of its current owner since the 1980s, and is accompanied by a full service history dating back to 1987, including a certificate of authenticity.
History and Paperwork
Registered in 1964
Originally painted in tartan red
Repainted in the current almond green
The caning kit appears to be old
Based on this, the modification may well have been carried out in the 1960s
Improved to rally specification by Downton of Wiltshire
In the hands of the current owner since the 1980s
MOT expired in April 2024
Odometer shows 00,003 km on a five-digit counter, after going round the counter
Accompanied by:
Full service history with invoices dating back to 1987
Certificate of authenticity
Original manuals and booklets
Vintage Austin Road Atlas of Great Britain
London Automobile Club Certificate of Recognition
Many spares including badges, trim and window panels
The Condition
Body shows age-appropriate wear
Slight corrosion around the rocker panels
No visible dents or dings
One of the doors has been replaced and is a slightly different shade of green
The paintwork is a little tired in places, with chips, cracks and a little texture.
The hand painted Taka Kira canework shows slight wear and discoloured areas
Some loose sealing areas
Rally modifications with belts and clips
Numerous period stickers
The underside appears solid with only light wear
Interior is in generally good condition
Some seat stitching has come loose
Fitted with roll bar, belts and rally seats
Features a kill switch and even a pocket watch holder on the steering wheel
The front colour-matched bucket seats are in generally good condition
Rear seats are a little tired
Roof lining in good condition
The boot is in good condition
The Mechanics
Newly rebuilt A-Series engine
Upgraded to an impressive Cooper S 1296cc displacement
Clean engine compartment in very good condition
4-speed manual transmission
Recent repairs: gearbox seal and correction of a handbrake fault
The seller mentions a very dynamic driving experience thanks to a self-locking roller differential
