As a way to put a smile on the face of almost any driver, the original Cooper S is near impossible to beat. With its tuned 1,275cc engine, sporty styling and remarkable handling, it’s no wonder it was – and remains – incredibly popular.
This particular car has been lovingly and professionally restored and benefits from some choice factory options, making it not only a great survivor but a highly usable and collectible classic.ZN5WisSPRm6DEaLbWA02E71ePSmhDJxRsHuicvjj.jpeg1.3 MB
The History and Paperwork
Manufactured on 12th April 1966
First registered on 7th October 1966
Comprehensive professional restoration in 1995/96
Extensive photographic record of restoration
Dry stored since restoration and has only covered 1,000 miles in this time
Odometer reading cannot be confirmed, owner suspects it has gone “around the clock”
Matching numbers vehicle
Original green log book included
British Motoring Industry Heritage Trust Certified
Retrimmed red and grey vinyl upholstery with gold detailing
Optional factory-fit heater
Astrali wood-rimmed sports steering wheel
As part of the restoration, the interior of this Mini was completely retrimmed, bar the original headlining which was good enough to maintain.
The seats, dash fascia and door cards have been retrimmed in matching red and grey vinyl with gold detailing. All of the vinyl is in excellent condition, the car having seen little use since the restoration. It’s matched with light grey front seatbelts, red carpets and Mini Cooper branded black over-mats. As it is the original item, and therefore is 56 years old, the headlining does have some staining. Otherwise it is in good condition, with no signs of sagging.
All the rest of the internal trim, instruments and controls are original and presented in very good condition, with minor blemishes and signs of wear commensurate with the vehicle’s age. We’re informed by the owner that everything works as it should.BpIFKHu7MoiZ7tBFveVRNKAm6XS462VtGFIscijl.jpeg1001.92 KB
The Exterior
Red with contrasting white roof
New original style 10” wheels with new tyres
Front mounted spotlights
Originally supplied in Tweed Grey with a contrast white roof, the car was changed to its current red and white specification during the restoration. Having been garaged during the intervening 26 years, the bodywork and paint is in largely good condition.
There are one or two areas that a new owner may wish to address – the beginnings of surface corrosion on the A-panel seams and front valance, a crack in the paint on the near-side front wing top and various other minor blemishes and marks. However, there’s nothing we saw that indicated any notable corrosion or damage.
While new original style wheels and brand new Yokohama tyres have been fitted, the original wheels (optional 4.5” items) were retained, powder-coated and also come with the vehicle.
The external trim, badges, light lenses and windows all appear to be complete and in good, solid condition with no damage. There is some tarnishing and light pitting to some of the brightwork, predominantly because the majority of it is original. But overall all of the external elements look to be nice and solid.aUk9xOPKhGXuBENJT7k5YUNPfwsg7hySTLem0wtX.jpeg1.29 MB
The Mechanics
1,275cc 4-cylinder engine
Optional twin fuel tanks
4-speed manual transmission
Peco exhaust
Featuring the iconic 1,275cc engine, complete with its twin SU carburetors, this little pocket rocket offers a truly engaging and thrilling driving experience. With 76bhp and just 650Kg to haul along, it makes for a properly sporty machine. To make sure you can enjoy the experience for as long as possible, the car was factory-fitted with the optional extra fuel tank, meaning you have 22 gallons of fuel to play with instead of the standard 11 gallon single tank.
The vendor also informs us that a number of maintenance jobs have been recently completed, including: new fuel tanks, cylinder head gasket, radiator, oil seals and brake servo. The engine bay itself has clearly been well maintained, presenting very well indeed, looking clean and straight with no damage or corrosion evident.
Being a 1966 car, this Cooper S also features the advanced Hydrolastic suspension system, only available from 1964 to 1971.
Another factory option that was included from new is the oil cooler, which is an excellent thing to have. A Peco straight-through exhaust has also been added, ensuring you hear every bit of induction noise and engine roar. The vendor is also including a small box of maintenance items in the sale.
We’re assured by the vendor that the car drives very well, accelerating, braking and handling as it should, with no mechanical issues.
Enduringly popular, the original Mini Cooper S is a superb little classic – easy to work on, great fun to drive and increasingly collectible.
This particular example has a great history, has been extensively restored and driven minimally since. With some excellent factory upgrades and a uniquely trimmed interior, it makes it quite a rare and unusual car, and a fantastic opportunity for collectors and classic Mini fans alike.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
