1969 | Morris Mini Cooper 'S' 1275

This delightful and charming, matching numbers Mini Cooper S MKii was first registered on the 12th of June 1969 by Stewart & Arden, the prominent BMC dealer of London. TLD 727G is an impressive example throughout and an exceptional driving car. The MKii was subject to a full restoration in the early 90s, but with careful maintenance and 20 years of storage, it presents as if it was a much more recent rebuild. The rebuilt and tuned engine provide a Cooper S driving experience with unique added performance. Accompanying the car is a comprehensive history file bearing first registration documents, a Heritage Certificate, and early invoices and documentation of the restoration.

The Mini was in regular use until 1985 when it was taken off the road for 8 years. In 1993, the Cooper S was subject to a full restoration including the engine being fully rebuilt and tuned to Road Rally Specification. The exterior was treated to a full preparation and repaint at a main dealers Bodyshop. The interior was fully retrimmed to include the seats being recovered, new headlining, new carpets and felts, and a new dashboard. Mechanically, engine aside, the brakes were fully recommissioned, new 10" Cooper S wheels were fitted, as well as a full suspension and steering overhaul.

Following the early 90s restoration, the car then was placed into long term storage until a member of the Mini Owners Club purchased it in 2013 and began to use it. Since the refurbishment of the engine, the Cooper S has covered a mere 2500 miles. While an older restoration, given the time in storage, the car presents superbly well and is a first-class driver. Most recently, both carburetors have been subject to a full strip down and reassembly.

Contradictory to the small appearance of the car, stepping into the Mini you are met with a very capacious cabin, trimmed in very pleasantly preserved black vinyl. The central Smiths dials look upon you in eager anticipation to jump into action, and the wood rim Moto Lita steering wheel is the perfect finishing touch for the driver. Looking up, you have an original Webasto Sunroof, perfect for those summer drives.

The footprint of the Mini defined a generation of UK Car Manufacturing, inspiring the ADO16 range of cars and pushing the boundaries of small car transport. Only 6300 examples of the Cooper S were ever built across the Ausitn and Morris offering, of those it is believed that only 4 were originally black as this one was before its colour change. It's boxy yet charming design brings memories back for so many people as their first car. The fully rebuilt transversely mounted 1275cc engine produces a smooth power delivery, fuelled by the recently serviced twin SU Carburettors. Through the gears, the 4-speed transmission is precise and the synchromesh feels strong. Under braking and acceleration, you instantly get that go-kart like feeling hones by the models Monte Carlo Rally Victories.