Highlights

One of the very last Cooper S cars built
Rebuilt 1,275cc Cooper S engine and gearbox by MiniSport
Older restoration with new shell
Extensive history file with recent new dynamo and voltage regulator
Two keepers in last 37 years
Highly presented car and last of the classic Coopers

The Appeal

This car was the last of an era. There would be more Coopers, but none of them would be quite as simple and unassuming as the originals built up to 1971. Just look at the photos and you can see what we mean - it’s hard to tell this Cooper S apart from its humble siblings, but if you know, you know.

The final cars were built in June 1971. This car left the line on 24th May 1971. By that time, BL had stopped calling them ‘Austin’ or ‘Morris,’ preferring instead ‘Mini’, but befuddled dealers still put ‘Austin’ or ‘Morris’ in the blank ‘marque’ space on the V5. This car is officially an ‘Austin.’

It is beautifully presented and pleasingly unmodified from factory standard, save for some light MiniSport titivation. It was apparently re-shelled in the early 80s using a brand new BL body. In 2020 it received a reconditioned MiniSport Cooper S engine and gearbox. It has covered few miles since that work.

The car has been in the hands of its previous two keepers for 37 years and always garaged. Recent attention has included a tune up, new dynamo and replacement voltage regulator. It is said to run and drive exceptionally well.

This is a chance to bag one of the last Cooper S’ to leave the line and one that is in resplendent condition.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st July 1971
Factory built 24th May 1971 just prior to production ending in June of that year
BMIHT certificate included as shown
Eight registered keepers
Current keeper since 2019
Previous two keepers for 37 years according to seller
We are told the car received a then-new BL shell in 1980/81
Reconditioned MiniSport 1,275cc Cooper S engine and gearbox fitted in 2020
MiniSport handbook documenting this work as shown
Various MiniSport invoices and receipts
Other receipts as shown dated 2022 to 2025 for various parts
Always garaged by current and previous keepers
V5C showing vehicle is correctly registered as a Historic Vehicle
New dynamo and voltage regulator recently fitted
Engine check over and tune up by vendor

The Condition

Pretty car in bright red with very good paintwork showing few indications of use
Due to the age of the restoration buyers should anticipate some light paintwork aging
Bodywork is very good with body appearing to be a then-new BL body fitted in early 80s
Body panels are straight and well kept with only minor signs of deterioration in photos
These include some light bubbling to leading edge of driver’s door as shown
Sills, arches and screen bases all present well
Underside appears to be in good order with no adverse reports from vendor
Exterior chromework in good, unmodified and factory-correct condition
Retains its correct ‘Mini’ and ‘Cooper S’ badging
Deep dish steel wheels with chrome hub caps in good order with tyres also well kept
Glasswork and lights are in good order with no obvious deterioration to report
Black vinyl interior is factory-correct and unmodified with original features such as two-spoke wheel
Switchgear, carpets and trim all in good order as shown in photos
Fitted with classic-style modern DAB radio below dash tray as shown
Light stains to note to headlining in photos
No reported faults with electrics, lighting or switchgear
We understand that the dials and odometer work correctly

The Mechanics

1,275cc MiniSport reconditioned engine and gearbox
Engine reported to have AEG313 block and 12G head
4spd MIniSport 22G gearbox
Twin carburettors
Recent tune up by seller
New dynamo and regulator
Many new parts in recent years from MiniSport and other specialists as shown
No reported running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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