Highlights

One of 1,572 original Morris Mini Cooper S MK3s built, complete with twin tanks
Engine and gearbox reconditioned less than 1,500 miles ago
Fitted with new starter motor, carpets, seats, wheels, and tyres
New Bilstein shock absorbers fitted

The Appeal

You already know the Mini. If you don't know the iconic little British classic, you're probably on the wrong website. These diminutive marvels are one of the most legendary classics out there, but back in their heyday, there was one Mini that sat above them all - the Cooper S.

John Cooper was the master of making a lot out of a little, and when he saw the short-wheelbased, agile city car, he knew it would be the perfect rally driver. He campaigned Issigonis who was a big rally fan himself, and while the Mini's designer was reluctant to place his austerity motor into a performance field, he eventually agreed.

The result was one of the most successful rally cars in history - and the Cooper S is now, undeniably, the classic Mini to have. Loaded with the highest specs that were possible back in the 60s, the characterful Mini Cooper S is still an incredibly spirited, endlessly entertaining drive, and rare to boot - with only 1,572 of the much-lauded MK3 (often purported as the best handling examples) ever built.

This 1970 example has been stored in a dry, warm garage for the past five years, and is still a shining example of its breed. Recently reconditioned, and ready to hit the road, this incredible classic has got a bright future ahead of it - and you've got an opportunity to be part of it.

History and Paperwork

Built in 1970
One of only 1,572 built
Original 1275cc engine, rebuilt to 1293cc by Slark Brothers
MOT exempt, last tested in 2018
The DVLA records 9 previous keepers
In current ownership since 2019
Stored in a warm garage under a cover while in current ownership
Accompanied by what we're informed is an extensive history file
Currently indicates 85,772 miles on a five-figure odometer

The Condition

Bodywork looks in very good order
Original Island Blue livery
Highly original with British Leyland badging
Fitted with new wheels and tyres

A look around the Mini is always going to be engaging - but the Mini Cooper S is so special because it's, on the outside, such a charming little car. Despite offering robust rally-ready performance, the car's lines are uninterrupted, mid-century British milieu that their finest.

This fabulous example comes to us in a period-accurate Island Blue, still shining nicely. It's been fully restored in the past, and to our eyes the original body shell is still in fine fettle. The brightwork is still casting a lovely contrast, and the glasswork and lenses are all in fine condition - with black arches and alloys perfectly matched up.

The underside is lovely and solid, with no significant areas of corrosion we can discern.

Retrimmed with new carpets, and front seats
Mountney steering wheel
Complete with roll cage

The cabin of this Mini has seen a new lease of life with its new velour bucket seats, gear gaiter and carpets - while the rear black vinyl is original, and aspects such as the Mountney steering wheel and rev counter are period performance additions. It's a very evocative, clean, and nicely kept space - with just the right level of aged patina to carry the car's distinguished years.

The car's headlining and door cards are all very clean and well-presented, and all of the instruments are clear and legible. It's a cabin that's perfectly usable, comfortable and sympathetically upgraded, without losing an ounce of its character.

The Mechanics

Original 1275cc A-Series four-cylinder engine, rebuilt to 1293cc by Slark Brothers
EN40B crankshaft
Lightweight fly wheel
Forged pistons
Modified big valve race head, set to run on unleaded fuel
Fed with uprated twin SU 1.5" carbs with pancake air filters
Competition exhaust manifold and exhaust
Has only covered 50 miles since the last oil change and has new air filters
Manual transmission with 4 gears
The gearbox was fitted new when the engine was reconditioned with close ratio and has straight cut gears and straight cut drop gears which improves the bhp to the wheels and makes an incredible sound
Engine and gearbox were completely reconditioned less than 1,500 miles ago
Fitted with new Bilstein shock absorbers

Popping open the bonnet, you'll see the much-loved A-Series powerplant - but not quite as you'd know it. The engine has been rebuilt to a rather impressive set of specs, all of which we expect John Cooper would be very approving of. Fitted with a big-valve race head, with twin SU carbs and a comprehensive, uprated rebuild to 1293cc by Slark Bros, the engine is up 25hp over a standard Cooper S. This little car is no doubt set to be a very impressive performer.

Whether you're envisioning its future on the track or as a particularly charismatic daily, this Mini Cooper S has just about everything going for it, and we're expecting its unique specification and remarkable condition to bring plenty of interest.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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