Highlights

In current ownership for approximately 33 years
Built with original Mini Cooper S parts and prepared for motorsport use
Motorsport provenance including sprints and hill climbs at Aintree, Loton Park, and New Brighton
Accompanied by spare engines, transmissions, and assorted period spares
Large history file of invoices, parts records, and work records

The Appeal

The Mark 1 Mini, or Morris Mini Minor as it was dubbed when it hit the market in 1959, is still one of the most iconic cars ever built. These were the early days of Issigonis's legendary little city car, and it is rightfully credited with genuinely changing the world and capturing British identity like no other.

This 1963 example was built up by a previous owner on a new body shell using original Mini Cooper S components, specifically prepared for Motor Sprint use at the New Brighton Speed Trials. It has been in the current owner's hands for approximately 33 years, having been purchased from Esso Motor Engineer Claud Clarke in Birkenhead.

Power comes from a 1,275cc MG Metro engine fitted some 30 years ago, equipped with an S cylinder head, Weber carburetor, oil cooler, and straight-through exhaust. The car is said to be capable of over 100 mph and recorded a time of 75.76 seconds at Loton Park Hill Climb. Inside, period Cobra seats with red Williams harnesses set the tone, complemented by a Les Leston steering wheel and a dashboard fitted with a full set of period gauges. The tartan-and-black-roof color scheme, chrome Deluxe Model details, and pull-cord door openers all add to its period charm.

The seller notes the car runs and pulls well but, having sat for some time, will benefit from a tune-up. Recent work includes a new clutch slave cylinder, battery, and fuel pump. A substantial batch of spares comes with the sale, including the original 850 engine and transmission, a square-cut four-speed wand-shift transmission, a spare 1,098cc engine and transmission, and boxes of period parts and manuals. A Mini Club and Insurance Agreed Valuation is in place.

Key Information

Mileage: 36,277 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 1,275cc four-cylinder gas engine, 4-speed manual transmission
Paperwork: large file of invoices, parts records, and work records; assorted manuals from the 1960s; Mini Club and Insurance Agreed Valuation in place

The Details

Fitted with a 1,275cc MG Metro engine with S cylinder head, Weber carburetor, oil cooler, and straight-through exhaust
Anti-roll bars front and rear, disc brakes up front, drums in back, and steel axle shafts
4.5 J S wheels with camber and toe-in setup
7-gallon Mini Metro gas tank replacing the original 5-gallon tank
All brake and fuel copper lines run internally
New clutch slave cylinder fitted in 2025
New battery and new fuel pump both fitted in 2026
New brake calipers and pads fitted in recent years
Records show regular oil and filter changes using Castrol Classic Oil 20/50, and brake and clutch fluid changes
The seller states the car runs and pulls well but will need a tune-up after sitting for a period of time
Period Cobra seats in front with red Williams seat belt harnesses; original black rear seats retained
Classic Les Leston small steering wheel fitted
Radiomobile/Motorola radio and period 8-track stereo under the rear seat, reported in working order
Dashboard fitted with speedometer, tachometer, ammeter, and fuel gauge with period wiring
Original red carpeting with some new floor mats; heater, all lights, wiper switches, and rear wiper all reported working
Paint described by the seller as original and in reasonable condition, with some red fading and some rust on the front upper fenders
The seller reports chrome is in good condition, including grille with oil cooler vent, bumpers with overriders, and all door handles with working locks
Underside described as sound and solid; inner and outer rocker panels welded a number of years ago
Twin period air horns and isolation switch fitted under the hood
Doors retain original pull-cord opening; rear window frames open in chrome (Deluxe Model)
Spare engines and transmissions included: original 850 engine and transmission, square-cut four-speed wand-shift transmission, and a spare 1,098cc engine and transmission
Original lap and diagonal seat belts and assorted spares included in boxes

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance, and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do, so we run all UK-registered cars and motorcycles for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft and have no outstanding finance, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic, and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, so it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes, so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidder's responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalized, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.