This super little Cooper was found in a garden in Newquay with a Conifer tree growing though it and was duly rescued from its role as a garden ornament and shipped to its new owners in Coventry where it began its transformation. They are technical motor engineers by trade who are, more often than not, building E-Type bodies for Jaguar amongst many other aspects of car refurbishment and CAD work. Inevitably, this was always going to be a detailed restoration from the start. As the Mini's bodyshell was beyond hope, a brand new Heritage Shell was purchased and the remains of the original car stripped out. Brand new front and rear subframes were fitted along with all new braking components and new suspension parts. The engine and gearbox were rebuilt by Crafted Classic Tuning, a Mini specialist and fitted with a coil and alternator in place of the dynamo, however, both original parts are with the car should its next owner be fanatical about originality. We understand that this aspect of the restoration cost a fairly substantial £7,000.

The restoration of the Cooper's interior was entrusted to Hamilton Commercials, acknowledged as one of the best in the business, utilising the original Red /Gold Brocade fabrics, Tartan Red carpets and, with the addition of a Moto-Lita wood-rim steering wheel, the result is simply stunning. The beautiful paint finish was the handiwork of ATD in Coventry in the original Old English White with a Black roof and the car was treated to a brand new set of Cooper steel wheels and branded new rubber.

KAF 370E is supplied with a small history file which basically shows all the invoices for the recent works completed during the restoration and makes interesting reading along with a Heritage Certificate showing this to be a matching numbers car. The odometer indicated 38,148 miles when it was extricated from the undergrowth and the car has covered around 100 bedding-in miles since completion.

This is a very impressive restoration with every nook and cranny indicating quality and attention to detail and, whether its new owner wishes to enjoy it on the Concours Lawn or simply buzz around doing the things that Mini Coopers do best, it's bound to be a lot of fun and attract admiring glances.