Lot details
Registration No: AMO259A
Chassis No: XAD1/159803A
Mot Expiry: March 2010

This car is understood to be a genuine MkIII Cooper 'S' that was specially prepared for the first Pirelli Classic Marathon held during June 1988; the event started and finished at London Bridge but ventured as far as Cortina in the Italian Dolomites. The Mini's bodywork was extensively refurbished and painted in the red and white 'Works' colours, and its engine and gearbox were upgraded by Howley Racing Ltd of Cheshire to 1293cc rally tune - bills for which are on file. The rest of the impressive specification reportedly comprises: roll cage, fire extinguisher, 'Works'-style sump/gearbox guard, Corbeau rally seats - navigator's reclining; full navigation equipment including rare Halda Twinmaster (itself worth a substantial sum), twin fuel tanks with alloy racing caps, two 'Works'-style Lucas spotlights and period Lucas reversing light, plus four spare wheels with MS winter tyres.

All this work paid off, because the car won its class on the Marathon, in the under 1300cc production car category. Thereafter it is stated to have covered only 10,000 non-competitive miles, the last 3,000 being with the present owner. Some time after the rally, the registration number was changed for an older 1963-dated plate. Describing the car as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork, the vendor adds: "Since completing the Pirelli Classic Marathon 22 years ago, this car has not contested another rally and has only really been used on dry summer's days". Documentation is said to encompass: the original bill of sale, FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form, the original handbook, and numerous bills for work carried out. This Cooper rally car could not be professionally replicated for the money - and, of course, it is eligible for historic class (free) road tax.