27th Feb, 2008 0:00
The Centaur
1965 Morris Mini Cooper S
Estimated at £11,000 - £13,000
Lot details
Registration No: JGU354C
Chassis No: KA254/676803
Mot Expiry: Aug 2008
The chance meeting between John Cooper and Aurelio Lampredi at the 1959 Italian Grand Prix is now an established part of Mini folklore. Having charmed a very early 850cc model out of BMC and driven it to the Monza meeting, Cooper was accosted by Fiat engineer (and former Ferrari F1 designer) Lampredi. Infected by his old enemy's enthusiasm, the Italian asked to borrow the new wonder car. Returning several hours later, he heralded it as the future of automotive design before adding "if it weren't so ugly, I'd shoot myself". Unperturbed (or perhaps encouraged) Cooper continued to harass Issigonis and BMC until they agreed to build a 'hot' version. Initially conceived as a homologation special, the Mini Cooper was launched in July 1961. Powered by an enlarged 997cc engine and benefiting from front disc brakes, it gave way to a succession of ever quicker variants culminating in the 1275 'S' of 1964. Evolving through MKI, MKII and MKIII guises, this uber-Mini established itself as one of the world's greatest ever rally cars (before being unceremoniously dropped by British Leyland in 1971).
According to information supplied by the vendor "This Cooper 1275 S was used competitively on the Channel Islands from the 1970s onwards taking part in hill sprints and sand racing. Still undergoing restoration upon the death of a previous keeper, the Mini was bought by a motor sport enthusiast who completed the work in time for the 2006 Jersey Rally. Still retaining a nice patina, the car's specification includes overhauled / highly tuned engine, straight-cut gearbox, fresh clutch, new wiring harness, Spax shock absorbers all round and uprated brakes / handbrake etc. Potentially eligible for many events including HRCR, Pre '66 at Goodwood etc, the Cooper S is offered for sale with MSA Competition Logbook, MOT certificate valid until August 2008 and historic class (free) road tax".
PLEASE NOTE: The chassis number for this lot is KA254676802
Registration No: JGU354C
Chassis No: KA254/676803
Mot Expiry: Aug 2008
The chance meeting between John Cooper and Aurelio Lampredi at the 1959 Italian Grand Prix is now an established part of Mini folklore. Having charmed a very early 850cc model out of BMC and driven it to the Monza meeting, Cooper was accosted by Fiat engineer (and former Ferrari F1 designer) Lampredi. Infected by his old enemy's enthusiasm, the Italian asked to borrow the new wonder car. Returning several hours later, he heralded it as the future of automotive design before adding "if it weren't so ugly, I'd shoot myself". Unperturbed (or perhaps encouraged) Cooper continued to harass Issigonis and BMC until they agreed to build a 'hot' version. Initially conceived as a homologation special, the Mini Cooper was launched in July 1961. Powered by an enlarged 997cc engine and benefiting from front disc brakes, it gave way to a succession of ever quicker variants culminating in the 1275 'S' of 1964. Evolving through MKI, MKII and MKIII guises, this uber-Mini established itself as one of the world's greatest ever rally cars (before being unceremoniously dropped by British Leyland in 1971).
According to information supplied by the vendor "This Cooper 1275 S was used competitively on the Channel Islands from the 1970s onwards taking part in hill sprints and sand racing. Still undergoing restoration upon the death of a previous keeper, the Mini was bought by a motor sport enthusiast who completed the work in time for the 2006 Jersey Rally. Still retaining a nice patina, the car's specification includes overhauled / highly tuned engine, straight-cut gearbox, fresh clutch, new wiring harness, Spax shock absorbers all round and uprated brakes / handbrake etc. Potentially eligible for many events including HRCR, Pre '66 at Goodwood etc, the Cooper S is offered for sale with MSA Competition Logbook, MOT certificate valid until August 2008 and historic class (free) road tax".
PLEASE NOTE: The chassis number for this lot is KA254676802
Auction: The Centaur, 27th Feb, 2008
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