Highlights

1966 Mini Super De Luxe chassis re-shelled into a MKIII body in 2016 and modified in the style of the Cooper S
Over 1200 hours spent on the build with parts invoices alone approaching £10,000 on file
Uprated 1,380cc A Series engine with extensive high-performance modifications, including Swiftune SW5 cam
Driven very few miles since restoration
Interior retrimmed in Connolly leather with tweed inserts
Invoices approaching £2000 under the Seller’s period of ownership including tuning and rolling road setup (with dyno printouts) in 2024
Recently serviced March 2026

The Appeal

Built to very specific requirements and exacting standards with the brief of creating a Mini capable of being driven from the North of England to the then owner’s home in Vienna, this particular car is a compelling Mk I Cooper S tribute, constructed around a Mk III bodyshell and finished to a standard that the vendor reports is very high indeed. The history file confirms that the original build took in excess of 1200 hours and there are comprehensive invoices and notes on file detailing the work and the full specification of the car.

Mechanically, this is no mere cosmetic exercise - the A Series engine has been bored out to 1,380cc and extensively upgraded including a Swiftune Fast-Road Cam, resulting in a car that, we're told, starts easily, idles smoothly and drives exactly as a Cooper S should. Uprated brakes and suspension ensure the chassis keeps pace and that things never get too overwhelming. Upon acquiring the car, the vendor sent it to DH Racing in Yorkshire for a full suspension set-up and carburettor calibration. The resulting rolling road printout shows 108hp at the flywheel and in excess of 90hp at the wheels.

Inside, the cabin has been retrimmed to a high standard, and the vendor reports it remains in very good order. Outside, the bright red paintwork retains a deep shine, the chrome looks smart and the Mk I styling details are all present and correct.

The comprehensive history file shows the car sitting on the lawn of a stately home in the Bowcliffe and Beaulieu Concours in Yorkshire in 2025, as well as a photo of it in slightly different circumstances coming around the hairpin at Cadwell Park. The vendor reports that the car has also transported him to Goodwood, where Swiftune Minis are a perennial crowd favourite, and as a 1966 model year car, it is eligible for the exclusive infield GRRC parking at both the Members Meeting and the Revival.

With recent servicing carried out in March 2026 and significant documented yearly expenditure prior to that, this Mini comes to market ready to be enjoyed. It represents a fine opportunity to acquire a well-sorted, thoroughly entertaining Cooper S tribute without the outlay of a genuine Mk I.

The vendor comments:

“I bought the Mini in early 2024 after owning one of the last Rover John Cooper S Works pack Minis back in 2000. This car in my view betters the S Works both in terms of performance, drama and looks. I’m doubtful this car could be created for less than £50,000 given the quality of the parts used and the labour that has gone into it. It is equally at home on the lawn of a concours or at Goodwood as it is doing a few laps of Cadwell Park, where it was loved and admired by all who saw it. It still manages to surprise a few people in more modern machinery with its turn of speed! It drives superbly, is genuinely quick but usable and has been totally reliable, all whilst sounding absolutely glorious. I’ll be very sad to see it go but I now feel I’ve scratched the itch and now want to move the funds into something else.“

History and Paperwork

First registered 7th April 1966
Built around a later Mk III bodyshell, styled to Mk I Cooper S specification
Road Tax and MOT exempt
UK V5C present
Comprehensive set of invoices from Mini Sport Ltd detailing the parts used in the extensive 2016 restoration
Selection of additional invoices for servicing and maintenance and other work, including nearly £2000 with the vendor since 2024 and a recent service and check over in March 2026

The Condition

Built upon a Mk III shell, styled to Mk I Cooper S aesthetics with exposed door hinges and Cooper S badging
Bright red paintwork presenting well with a deep shine
The vendor reports that panel fit and gaps are very good throughout
Chrome plating retains a deep shine
Wheel arch extensions fitted
Flip-down rear number plate
Rear spot lamp
Twin Le Mans-style fuel filler caps
Ten-inch Minilite wheels with Dunlop SP tyres
The vendor reports that trim, windows, wheels, light lenses, paint and brightwork are all in very good condition
Underside appears clean and tidy with no significant damage or corrosion noted
Interior retrimmed in Connolly leather with tweed inserts
The vendor reports the interior presents very well with no obvious signs of wear
Astrali steering wheel
Central instrument cluster with speedometer, temperature gauge and oil pressure gauge
Tachometer fitted
Heated front and rear windscreens
Retro-styled modern stereo fitted beneath the dashboard
Seatbelts front and rear
Twin fuel tanks and new battery in the boot

The Mechanics

1,275cc A Series engine bored out to 1,380cc with a single 1.75 HIF Carburettor.
4-speed manual transmission
Stock gearbox with new bearings and synchromesh rings with quick-shift
Ported head with 35.7mm and 30mm valves
Rimflo valves with bronze guides and modified seats
Lightweight forged 73.5mm Omega pistons
Swiftune SW5 cam with duplex chain and vernier pulley
Ported head, 35.7mm and 30mm Rimflo valves with bronze guides and modified seats
Lightweight forged Omega pistons,
Alloy roller-tip valve rockers
Balanced crankshaft and conrods
Cooper S front disc brakes with uprated pads
Minilites with Yokohama Advan tyres all round
Braided brake hoses
Hi-Lo suspension with Gaz shocks
Invoice on file for a service and check over in 2021, including oil and filters, new gaskets, new air filter and hose, and new dust seals and gaiters
Serviced and set-up in May 2024 at DH Racing, York, with wheel alignment, suspension set up and carburettor properly tuned. Rolling road printouts on file.
In April 2025, brakes cleaned, and Questmead competition linings fitted along with new shoes and a bigger battery fitted by Selby TVR Sports and Classic, North Yorkshire
Serviced and checked over in March 2026 by Selby TVR Sports and Classics, North Yorkshire, with new exhaust mounts and new choke cable fitted
Engine bay presents well
Running gear looks clean and tidy underneath
The vendor reports it starts easily, idles smoothly and sounds fantastic

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