Vendor supplied images

Highlights

One of the last factory Mk1 Coopers built
Homage to the Monte Carlo-winning Coopers
Restored and uprated to 'S' specification by specialist
Only 9,000 miles since rebuild
Rally-inspired trim with buckets and dials
Large history file with detailed and handwritten records
Finished in Island Blue with Old English White roof

The Appeal

It began as a spacious shopping runabout, but it found its true calling as a tiny road rocket. Whether battling much bigger V8s at Goodwood or scrabbling along the Monte Carlo rally, the original Cooper was a mesmerising giant-slayer.

It is hard to over-estimate the Cooper’s influence. It all began with cars like this, an original ‘67 Cooper. It was one of the last Mk1s built and likely entertained its keepers before arriving with well regarded restorer Anchor Autos of Bristol in 1998. The brief to Anchor was to create a grin-inducing, hugely entertaining homage to those Monte-winning Coopers. There began an extensive restoration across the mechanicals and bodywork that included an upgrade to ‘S’ brakes and suspension. The engine was bored out to 1,340cc, a host of rally features were added to the interior and a fast road cam fitted. There is also a straight cut and rebuilt gearbox.

It has covered just 9,000 miles since, the ensuing years carefully documented in a large history file of invoices and handwritten notes, right down to petrol purchases.

This pretty Island Blue Cooper would be perfect for regulatory events or classic car tours. Or simply find some local B roads and have a blast. It comes with MOT to August 2025.

History and Paperwork

First registered 3rd July 1967
Built in June 1967
Despatched by the factory to Kennings Ltd, Sheffield
Eight registered keepers
Current registered keeper since November 2005
This corresponds with the full body and mechanical restoration by Anchor Autos Bristol in 1998
Purchased by the current keeper’s husband in November 2005
Car had covered 7,000 miles when purchased by current keeper's husband
Barely used between 2005 and 2017 when it was put into storage
Large history file including old MoTs and invoices for works
There is also a detailed restoration report from 1998
Detailed handwritten owner's record of subsequent service works, MoT’s, and petrol purchases
Heritage Certificate and handbooks
Odometer zero’d during completion and has covered 9,000 miles since
No advisories on any MOT test since 2006 to 2018
MOT history verifies sparing use between 2006 and 2018
V5 in current keeper’s name
Recent light recommissioning detailed below
Supplied with MOT to 2nd August 2025 with one minor advisory

Summary of 1998 restoration work:

Bodywork fully restored and resprayed in the correct original Island Blue with Old English White roof
Mechanicals restored and upgraded to ‘S’ specification
Twin Cooper S tanks
Heated front and rear screens
Engine rebuilt and bored out to 1,340cc
Fast road camshaft installed
Rebuilt straight cut manual gearbox
Suspension and brakes rebuilt with Cooper S parts
Cooper S brakes and suspension
Rally bucket seats with harnesses
Rally instrumentation
Odometer zero’d

Recent recommissioning:

New clutch slave cylinder
Timing adjustment
Carburettor cleaned
New battery

The vendor writes:

"Designed by Alex Issigonis in 1959, a new concept in car design was born. With a monocoque shell, transversely mounted engine and front-wheel drive, the new 'Mini', soon became popular across a broad spectrum of the population. The potential for competition use was soon seen by many.

"BMC were finally persuaded by John Cooper and the two worked together in culminating the birth of the Austin Mini Cooper and the Morris Mini Cooper in 1961. Victories in the 1964, 1965 and 1967 Monte-Carlo Rallies set the Mini on the road to fame but probably the greatest publicity was gained from their somewhat unfair disqualification for lighting irregularities in the 1966 event after coming in 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

"It is in the spirit of this remarkable sporting achievement that this Mini Cooper was upgraded as an authentic and realistic homage to the cars driven by Timo Makinen, Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk, who took their Mini Coopers to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place before this outrageous French decision to disqualify them all."

The Condition

Older restoration in Island Blue with OEW roof in good order
Good condition with some light marks to be anticipated due to age
Chrome front and rear bumpers with rear corner nudge guards
Mk1 factory aesthetics
Four auxiliary driving lights
Genuine Minilite alloy wheels with Yokohama tyres
Rally bucket seats installed in the front with Britax harnesses
Rally instruments fitted to the dashboard
Heated screens front and rear
Interior is functional and usable reflecting the car’s purpose

The Mechanics

Engine rebuilt in 1998 and bored out to 1,340cc
'Fast road' camshaft installed
Gearbox rebuilt with straight cut gears
Suspension and brakes rebuilt using Cooper S parts
Recent light recommissioning as detailed above
MOT to 2nd August 2024

The vendor has experienced the car so over to him to describe the experience:

"The car drives as expected with lively performance and is simply a thrill to experience with higher gearing than standard, allowing more comfortable road use and excellent gear ratios. In every respect, this feels like a true tribute to the Monte Carlo Rally winners that should have been in 1966 with this 1967 registered Mini Cooper, complete with Heritage Certificate confirming it as Island Blue with Old English White roof.

"It is nuts to drive! Ear-to-ear grin factor all round and be prepared to be photographed and filmed by passers-by. This takes you back to the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally like nothing else can. Nothing this small should be able to give as much fun but it does.

"It celebrates the pinnacle of Britain's best-loved motor car with the recognition of its total domination in motorsport. A passing similarity to the cast of 'The Italian Job' is also noteworthy!"

BEFORE YOU BUY

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