1969 Austin Mini Cooper S 1275
Comprehensively restored to the sum of some £40,000

Registration No: UGD 745H
Chassis No: C-A2SB/1300802-A
MOT: Exempt

• Subject to a comprehensive restoration between 2012 and 2021 with much of the work completed by specialists
• Invoices on file totalling approximately £40,000 during the restoration
• Home-market example with Heritage Certificate
• Previous long term ownerships 1996-2012 and 2012-22
• One of just 6,300 Mk. II Cooper Ss manufactured by both Austin and Morris

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. A collaboration between racing car builder John Cooper and the Mini’s creator Alec Issigonis, the Mini Cooper débuted in September, 1961, with the ultimate 1,275cc S variant arriving three years later. Famously winning the Monte Carlo Rally for the third time in 1967 (or the fourth time, depending on how one views the controversial 1966 result), that same year saw the Mini updated to Mk. II specification, complete with a redesigned radiator grille, revamped interior, larger rear windscreen and a host of other minor changes. Total Mk. II Cooper S production by both Austin and Morris amounted to just 6,300 cars.

Beautifully presented in its original colour scheme of Tartan Red with a Black roof and Black upholstery, this Austin Mini Cooper S was built on 13th May, 1969, and despatched on 16th May to Carlaw Cars Ltd. in Glasgow. It is believed to have lived always in Scotland thereafter until 2012, when it was sold by the long-term owner (since 1996) as a project requiring total restoration. The next owner (who did not register the car in his name until 2014) thus began a comprehensive and meticulous restoration which only reached completion in 2021.

Happily, the original body shell was saveable and, after acid-dipping, much of the bodywork restoration was performed by Huddersfield Mini Spares between 2016 and 2017. The same business was responsible for much of the subsequent work, the fully-reconditioned engine, subframe replacement, a comprehensive mechanical overhaul with many new parts, and the fitment of the trim and other fittings. The final stages of the restoration took place between 2019 and 2021, with light fettling and other small jobs performed by Minimine and a local classic car garage.

Already finished to an extremely high standard, the Mini was purchased from us in 2022 by the present father-and-son owners, who undertook a few further improvements and changes, including fitting Superlite alloy radiator, desirable Cooper S oil cooler, electronic ignition, high torque starter motor, and carpeted boot board. The car has been fitted with a brand new set of period correct genuine Swiftune rose – petal wheels each shod with excellent Dunlop radial tyres. Other changes included a new leather-rimmed steering wheel and the installation of seatbelts. In the vendors’ words, the paint and interior are “very good” while the bodywork, mechanicals and electrics are all “excellent.” Still a beautiful sight four years after its restoration, ‘UGD 745H’ is to be sold with the current V5C, historic sales literature, a BMIHT Heritage Certificate, plus many photographs and invoices from the restoration, the latter totalling around £40,000.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452