1964 | Morris Mini Cooper 'S' 1275

These fabulous and popular little cars were designed in 1959 and were heralded as a new concept in car design. Little did they know or envisage what would become of these great models. With a monocoque shell, transversely mounted engine and front wheel drive, the new 'Mini' soon became popular across the world and to all types of individuals, well healed or not! The potential for competition use was soon seen by John Cooper; he eventually persuaded BMC and the two worked together culminating in the birth of the Austin Mini Cooper and the Morris Mini Cooper in 1961. Victories in the 1964, 1965 and 1967 Monte-Carlo Rallies set the Mini on the road to fame but probably the greatest publicity was gained from their somewhat unfair, disqualification for lighting irregularities in the 1966 event after coming in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the 'S', was developed in tandem and released in 1963.

First registered on 26th August 1964, this fantastic FIA rally specification Cooper S has been cherished by the vendor for the past twenty-three years. Wanting for nothing, this car has enjoyed three major refreshes during his ownership with respected preparers Richard Higgs, NVJ Developments and most recently this year with ATA Classics. Whilst it has been built into an FIA specification rally car, due to work commitments, the car has hardly seen any competition. A Longman cylinder head, rally camshaft, competition pistons, uprated gearbox and differential all make this car a potent and quick example. Safety features include; foam filled fuel tanks, fire extinguisher and six-point roll cage. The vendor reports the car to run and drive extremely well and is only selling due to continuing work commitments meaning he’ll unlikely have any time to compete with it anytime soon.

Supplied with a V5C registration document, FIA papers and lots of invoices. A versatile car that has had over £37,000 spent on maintaining it to a high level, this wonderful example is ready to rally, race or simply blast to the pub in. Consigned by Will Penrose.