1968 Austin Mini Cooper MKII

Lot details
Registration No: NOB618F
Chassis No: CA25B1168916A
Mot Expiry: June 2009

More than five million Minis were made between the car's launch in 1959 and the final Cooper rolling off the production line in 2000, making it the most popular British-made car ever. This masterpiece of packaging has never been bettered, accommodating four adults in a 10ft 1/4in long package by using 'a wheel at each corner' and turning the engine sideways with the transmission underneath.
It wasn't long before racing car builder John Cooper realised the potential of the Mini - he was using BMC engines in his Formula Junior cars at the time - and soon the Cooper was born, first in 997cc and then 998cc (from 1964) forms. Adding twin carburettors and front disc brakes gave the cars sparkling performance to go with their superb handling, giving 90mph performance. These nimble little cars soon became known for their giant-killing performances in competition, culminating in the more powerful 'S' version's Monte Carlo Rally wins in 1964, '65 and '67. A timeless classic, the Mini in all its forms, but especially the Cooper, continues to appreciate gently in value.
This MkII, one of 16,000 built, remains completely original in appearance outside and in, with the addition of extra period-style Smith's instruments neatly fitted under the dashboard, including a 4in revcounter. The vendor describes the car as "excellent" throughout, adding that the engine was professionally overhauled in 2001, less than 15,000 miles ago. An apparently original 'matching numbers' car with old-style logbook, well set off by an attractive set of Minilite-looklike GB alloys and original-spec Snowberry white roof, this Mini represents offers the increasingly rare opportunity buy an unmolested Cooper.