"To many, its designer Alec Issigonis included, the notion that the Mini might have a future as anything other than basic transport was anathema, and the idea of a high-performance version was laughable. One man though, saw it quite differently. Racing car manufacturer 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 Mini Cooper soon established its credentials as a rally and race winner, and the stage was set for even faster versions. The first of these, the 1,071cc Mini Cooper 'S' of 1963, took engine development a stage further and provided the basis for the 971 'S' and 1275 'S' of 1964.
Manufactured on 29th April 1965 this Mini spent its early years in Guernsey. It came back to the mainland in 1976 and was put into dry storage in 1980. The vendor, a very competent engineer, has extensively restored this Cooper S to a very high standard. The car was stripped and the bodyshell was completely refurbished using a rotisserie. It was painted in the original colour combination of Old English White with a black roof. New inner and outer sills have been fitted as has a new rear subframe. The 1275cc engine and gearbox have previously been rebuilt and the gearbox has straight-cut gears, the engine runs very well with good oil pressure. The brakes have been totally refurbished and the suspension has new Hydro lines fitted. New 4½ inch wheel rims have been fitted together with new tyres. Internally the headlining was replaced, the seats have been recovered, all to the original colour combination. The result of this extensive work is a Mini Cooper S Mk. I that is pristine in its presentation. The vendor has done very few miles since the rebuild and the car has only done 391 miles in the last 42 years. Supplied with a V5C registration document, a good history folder and a Heritage Certificate and presenting in delightful condition this 1275cc Mini Cooper S looks exceptional value especially given its rarity and wow factor. Consignor Stewart Banks.
*Interested partes should note that this Mini has developed a problem with the steering rack & pinion. This will be rectified at the vendors expense prior to delivery to a new owner.

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