Highlights

Participated in notable rallies, including the Classic Marathon and Challenge to Barcelona
Equipped with FIA roll cage and Cobra Clubman seats
Features Cooper S wheels and brakes
Running on four recently replaced Blockley tyres

The Appeal

Designed by the legendary Sir Alec Issigonis, the Mini was born out of the need for small, economical transportation for the masses in the wake of the Suez oil crisis, with petrol being rationed and sales of ‘standard’ sized cars in the UK slumping due to their less-than-ideal fuel economy.

It was still a fairly fresh little car when John Cooper Works got their hands on it. The small wheelbase, low-centre-of-gravity and perky character made the Mini a dead cert for the rally scene, and it finally debuted in September 1961. The new car effectively made history, one of the ultimate 'pocket rockets' - 1000 units were commissioned by management, with the intention of homologating the car for Group 2 rallying.

Initially subject to a full restoration in '99 - 2000, this Cooper was converted to full competition specification by a previous keeper, with the aim of competing in the London-Istanbul rally. Not only did the car compete, but also came first-in-class! The car went on to compete elsewhere, too, having never recorded a DNF / Failure to finish and always being driven home afterwards.

Following that expensive, purposeful rebuild at the turn of the millennium, the car has garnered an honest, rally-use patina that only adds to its exceptional character. It's now either ready and waiting for restoration or its next turn on the circuit, with an FIA roll cage, Cobra Clubman seats and Cooper S wheels and brakes all present, correct, and reporting for duty.

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1968
The DVLA records 7 previous keepers
In current ownership since 2021
Indicates 9,953 miles on a five-figure odometer
Sadly, there's no paperwork to verify this mileage
The Mini Cooper does not have any service history
The car has been serviced by the owner
Recent oil change and new spark plugs
Completed the Classic Marathon in 2001
Participated in the Challenge to Barcelona in 2002
Completed the London Bridge to East Dubowl in 2001

Accompanied by:

British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
A photographic record of the car's rally exploits
Original driver's handbook
A selection of old MOT certificates
Some invoices
Brochures and advertising materials for rallies the Mini has travelled upon

The Condition

Underside carries some signs of corrosion, commensurate with age
Floor pans look solid
Subframes are reportedly solid and in good order
Paint is peeling in some areas
Suitable for use as-is or for a light restoration
Some patina to the brightwork
Running on four recently replaced Blockley tyres
Internally, the car carries an age-commensurate patina
Equipped with FIA roll cage safety devices
Features Cobra Clubman seats in black
Includes Williams four-point harnesses in black
Black carpets, very period-appropriate for a 1968 Mini Cooper
Equipped with a Brantz rally meter and another stopwatch

The Mechanics

998cc A-Series 4-cylinder engine
Manual transmission with 4 gears
Engine was bored out to +20 in the early 2000s
All brake lines and battery lines are routed internally
Includes an oil cooler
Running on dry suspension
The vendor reports that the car pulls well through the gears and keeps up in modern traffic very well

BEFORE YOU BUY

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