"The Austin/Morris Mini was in production for 40 years and, today, remains the most enduring icon of the British motor industry. To many though - its designer Alec Issigonis included - the notion that the Mini might have a future as anything other than basic transport was an anathema and the idea of a high-performance version was laughable. One man though, saw it quite differently. John Cooper already knew quite a bit about tuning BMC's A-Series engine - he was running the company's Formula Junior effort at the time - and a test drive in a prototype Mini convinced him of the car's competition potential. The result, launched in September 1961, was the Mini Cooper, a car that offered a size/price/performance package that was nothing short of miraculous.
The car on offer here is unique in that it is an original 998cc Austin Mini Cooper upgraded to an exact Cooper S replica. To all but the most knowledgeable, the only way of differentiating the two would be by checking the chassis number. Not just the addition of S badges, this car has got a correct, rebuilt in 2015 by Allitt Motor Services, 1275cc S 9F-SA-Y engine with twin SU carburettors, brake servo, twin tanks and 4.5” S wheels. The attention to detail goes even to the addition of the S optional oil cooler, the diagonal front valance strut and a correct 130mph speedo.
The car is believed to have been restored and converted to S specification in the late 90’s and was subsequently taken in as part of a part exchange deal by well known Mini specialist Cambridge Miniworks. They reported that at the time the car needed a little work to bring it up to top condition again which they duly undertook. The current owner bought the car from them in 2014 and has enjoyed it as part of his collection ever since with the Tartan Red and black colour scheme matching his Series I E-Type! He added a pair of reclining Newton Commercial seats at a cost of over £1,200 since purchasing the car with the originals being included in the sale.
Now due to downsizing his collection, the car is being returned to the market. The car presents very well and represents incredible value, essentially being a Cooper S for Cooper money. Supplied with a extensive history file with receipts including confirmation of the Cooper S engine installed and recent expenditure with BMC specialists Summit Motors, the car comes supplied with a V5c registration document and current MoT test certificate valid until April 2019."