1970 Austin Mini Cooper S 1275 MKII

Lot details
Registration No: YLX340H
Chassis No: C-A25B-1321249
Mot Expiry: June 2009

When BMC chairman Sir Leonard Lord told designer Alec Issigonis in 1957: 'We must build a proper miniature car,' he could not have known what a dynasty he was creating. More than five million units later, the Mini remains one of the most recognisable cars in the world. Picture a Mini and you automatically picture a white-roofed Mini Cooper.
The Mini was actually detuned before launch in 1959. The prototype's 948cc engine made it embarrassingly rapid compared with other more expensive cars in the BMC group, and it was downgraded to 848cc and 34bhp. Racing car builder John Cooper soon realised the little car's potential - he was using BMC engines in his Formula Junior cars at the time - and the Cooper was born in 1961, first in 997cc and 998cc forms, and from 1963 a more potent 1071cc 'S', enlarged to 1275cc from 1964. Twin carburettors and front disc brakes gave sparkling performance to go with the Mini's superb handling, and these nimble little cars soon became known for their giant-killing performances in competition, culminating in Monte Carlo Rally wins in 1964, '65 and '67.

Extensively restored 20 years ago, with some photographic proof, this MkII 'S' in the classic Cooper colours of Almond with a white roof is understood to have only covered 3400 miles since. The original bodyshell was apparently retained but the doors and wings were replaced, and new subframes, brakes and RC40 exhaust were installed. It has its original interior, wheels and steering wheel, and is fitted with an excellent Tudor Webasto sunroof. Seemingly tidy and correct in all departments, it is according to the vendor: "Still in very good order and drives very well indeed". And "only just run in!"