Highlights

Very early Cooper S 1275 used as demonstrator for three years
Current owner since 1979 with only two previous owners
History known to the current owner from new
Engine rebored to 1,298cc shortly before being taken off the road
Offered as a restoration project with all removed parts included

The Appeal

Dropping the 1,275cc A-Series engine into the Mini finally made the little Cooper a proper giant killer. In this specification, Paddy Hopkirk ran circles around bigger machinery to snag the overall win on the ‘64 Monte.

In the same year as that incredible win, this Mk1 Cooper S 1275 left the factory. Chassis records indicate that it is car number 460 of around 3,000 built that year, making it one of the earliest remaining survivors. The seller says it spent its first three years as a demonstrator, then had three subsequent owners. The seller acquired it in 1979, telling us that he knew the previous owner because he worked at the garage that maintained it. The engine and transmission have been replaced, with the latter rebored to 1,298cc before the car was stored.

Now offered as a restoration project, the car has been partially stripped, with the left-front fender removed. Some parts, including the front windshield, have been removed and are included. The owner is unable to complete the work personally due to illness, presenting an opportunity for a new caretaker to take on a Cooper S with a genuinely traceable history and bring it back to life.

The seller says:

“I love everything about it, and still think that the Mini is one of the best cars to drive. If I hadn’t been struck with this illness, I would have gotten this car back on the road myself.”

Key Information

Mileage: 21,993 miles indicated (total mileage is likely to be higher)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 1,275cc four-cylinder inline gasoline engine (rebored to 1,298cc), four-speed manual transmission
Paperwork: No service history available

The Detail

Used as a demonstration vehicle for the first three years of its life
Previous owner had a replacement engine installed
Replacement transmission installed circa 1980
Engine rebored to 1,298cc, we are told, and is not currently running
Parking brake modified to operate in reverse for quick release
Door handles modified with 'spin foils' that spin around when locked
Vehicle has been stored in a shed for many years
Damp carpet placed on the roof has caused damage to the roof paint
Partial teardown commenced: left-front fender, left A-pillar panel, and left door have been removed
Front windshield and some interior dash parts also removed
Front seats show wear and tear
Vehicle requires a complete refurbishment

BEFORE YOU BUY

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