1965 Morris Mini Cooper

Lot details
Registration No: BOT986C
Chassis No: KA254-737700
Mot Expiry: Aug 2008

As well as the 1960 Formula One World Championship, the Cooper Car Co also won that year's British Saloon Car Championship with a Mini 850. Convinced of the demand for a 'hot' production version, John Cooper approached his friend and Mini creator, Alec Issigonis. Surprised but undettered by a knock back, he then invited BMC Managing Director George Harriman to drive a prototype. The two quickly agreed terms for a homologation run of 1,000 cars (with the F1 team boss earning a £2 royalty fee on each one). Wearing either Austin or Morris badges, the resultant Mini Cooper was launched in September 1961. Initially fitted with an Eddie Maher developed 997cc A-series engine that developed some 55bhp (thanks to an aggressive camshaft profile, larger inlet valves and twin 1.25-in SU carburetors), the newcomer was reputedly capable of some 85mph. Benefiting from the adoption of 7-inch front disc brakes, it gained an equally powerful but less stressed 998cc unit in 1964. For years one of the fastest ways of getting from A-to-B cross country, the model's superlative handling and diminutive size also led it to repeated glory on both rally stages and racetracks alike.

Finished in green with green / grey vinyl brocade upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Said to have been the subject of "a rolling restoration over the last three years" with the result that "it is now a very tidy Cooper to pretty much original factory specification", 'BOT 986C' sports a period Webasto sunroof. Riding on correct-type steel wheels, this desirable MKI Mini Cooper is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until August 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until July 2008.