1968 Morris Mini Cooper MK II

Lot details
Registration No: MLJ652F
Chassis No: CA2561113088A
Mot Expiry: July 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, elevating it to the status of 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 turning the engine sideways with the transmission underneath, and fitting 'a wheel at each corner'.
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 produced the Cooper 'S' and gave 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 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.

An original right-hand drive home-market Cooper, this particular example has been garaged since the vendor bought it in 2004, during which time it has only covered circa 300 miles. The previous keeper is understood to have restored the car, which the seller believes included a respray and many new parts including a replacement 998cc engine. He describes the engine and paintwork as "very good'" and the transmission and electrical equipment as "good", but points out that "the driver's seat has two small tears", though the interior trim remains to its original pattern. The car comes fitted with a stylish wood-rim Moto-Lita wheel, and is complete with a Heritage certificate.