Lot details Registration No: KVE284G Chassis No: CA25B1151185 Mot Expiry: Sept 2010
When BMC chairman Sir Leonard Lord told designer Alec Issigonis in 1957: 'We must build a proper miniature car,' he could not have known what a dynasty he was creating. More than five million units later, the Mini remains one of the most recognisable cars in the world. Picture a Mini and you automatically picture a white- or black-roofed Mini Cooper. 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. Racing car builder John Cooper soon realised the little car's potential - he was using BMC engines in his Formula Junior cars at the time - and the Cooper was born in 1961, first in 997cc and 998cc forms, and from 1963 a more potent 1071cc 'S', enlarged to 1275cc from 1964. Twin carburettors and front disc brakes gave sparkling performance to go with the Mini's superb handling, and these nimble little cars soon became known for their giant-killing performances in competition, culminating in Monte Carlo Rally wins in 1964, '65 and '67. The latter year also saw the Mini updated to MKII specification complete with redesigned radiator grille, revamped interior, larger rear windscreen and a host of other minor changes. Total MKII Cooper S production across both Austin and Morris brands is thought to have amounted to 6,300 cars.
Finished in white with a black roof and black upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment and interior trim, while he rates the bodywork and paintwork as "fair / good". Although reportedly the subject of a 1980s restoration during which the body was refurbished to a fair standard, the Mini's original engine and gearbox are understood to have been in pieces by the time it entered the current ownership some three years ago. Entrusted to a local specialist, the overhauled engine and gearbox were then reinstalled with the only modification being the adoption of twin 1.5-inch SU carburettors (though, the original 1.25-inch ones accompany the car). Apparently supplied new by Marshall of Cambridge, we are informed that this appealing MKII Cooper S is only now being offered for sale due to the acquisition of a MKI 1071 Cooper S. Retaining its "original service wallet and handbook", `KVE 284G' also boasts a MOT certificate valid until September 2010.
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