1967 Morris Mini Cooper S Works Car

Lot details
Registration No: OBL 48F
Chassis No: K-A254/1012091A
Mot Expiry: Jan 2012

By the mid 1960s nothing could stop us from winning. This was not only because of the fantastic car but also because of the unique BMC team from Abingdon. I do not think that any team since has reached, relatively speaking, the same high level, which has to do not only with the mechanical aspect of the cars but also includes things from strategy to perfect gentlemanly manners" - Rauno Aaltonen ('The illustrated history of the Works Minis in international rallies and races' by Peter Browning).

H&H are indebted to the vendor for the following description: `OBL 48F' was one of the last Works Minis to be prepared by the world renowned BMC Competitions Department in 1967. Peter Browning's authoritative book `The Illustrated History of the Works Minis: In International Rallies and Races' suggests it was purpose-built for that year's RAC Rally; an event which never took place due to a sudden outbreak of `foot and mouth' disease. Denied its moment in the Works limelight, the Cooper S undertook various recce and demonstration duties until 1970 when Lord Stokes, the then chairman of British Leyland, ordered the Competitions Department's closure.

Sold into private hands thereafter, `OBL 48F' embarked upon an impressive post-Works career. Helmed by Mike Rigg on the 1973 RAC and 1973 Scottish Rallies, the Mini subsequently distinguished itself on numerous Motoring News rallies with Geoff Grundy before passing to Doug Baird who used it for several Isle of Man rallies.

Belonging to Gerry Braithwaite at the time, `OBL 48F' participated in the 1982 `Golden 50' Rally; a meeting which is generally accepted as marking the start of historic rallying. Gerry maintained the Cooper S in beautiful original condition and displayed it at Silverstone for the 1989 `Mini 30' Celebrations. Despite its previous usage, the car remained in much the same state as when it had been driven out of the Abingdon gates almost twenty years previously and was thus able to boast its beautifully trimmed Works seats, positive earth Works wiring loom and Works bodyshell, all of which are retained to this day.

The present owner - a well known competitor in historic events and former British Vita Racing mechanic - acquired `OBL 48F' in 1990 to add to his collection of ex-Works Minis (which already included `OBL 46F' and `OBL 47F'). Having enjoyed the Cooper S `as was' for several years, he decided that it should be run in anger once more. With its entry for the 1997 Tour Auto accepted and the prospect of tackling the event's assorted circuit tests and rally stages, the diminutive saloon had a proper FIA specification roll cage fitted along with a plumbed-in fire extinguisher and more appropriate FIA approved seats (all reversible modifications aimed at improving crew safety).

Some five years on from its French adventure, `OBL 48F' journeyed to the Nurburgring where it helped the vendor learn the notoriously challenging circuit. The Mini's last notable outing was the 2005 Goodwood Festival of Speed during which Barrie `Whizzo' Williams borrowed it to chauffeur Lord March on the Goodwood Rally Stage Press Day; the vendor also piloting it over the `festive' period.

Although originally built as a MK1, `OBL 48F' was updated with MK2 trim (as were many of the later Works cars). Thus, it still retains the smaller MK1 rear screen but also wears a MK2 radiator grille, badges and rear lights. Converting this original Works bodyshell back to MK1 specification should prove relatively easy. Though, the current owner has elected to leave the more modern rally seats and roll cage in situ so that his successor can use the Cooper S without major preparation on rallies such as the Monte Historique. The car has played host to various drivetrains over the years and is currently powered by a 1293cc A-series `Rally' engine allied to a four-speed synchromesh gearbox (with straight cut gears) and limited slip differential. Fed by a modern facet fuel pump, the twin 1.5-inch SU carburettors are tuned to deliver a wide / accessible power band.

Sporting its original chassis plate, this unusually genuine Works Mini is offered for sale with the aforementioned Works seats and John Aley roll cage (though, they will need collecting from the vendor's Cheshire base). Priced to reflect the current level of interest in Works Minis, `OBL 48F' is potentially eligible for a host of prestigious events.