The history of this revolutionary motorcar is well known; its impact socially, culturally and mechanically is well documented. The Swinging Sixties, free love, The Beetles, Twiggy and the Mini are inexorably combined to represent an era that is remembered with great fondness by many people. The side story is the Mini's impact on motorsport and this is no less extraordinary. Issigonis' friend John Cooper owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula One and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. The original 848cc engine was given a longer stroke to increase capacity to 997cc, boosting power from 34bhp to 55bhp. The car featured a racing-tuned engine, twin SU carburettors, a closer-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, uncommon at the time in a small car. A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the 'S', was then developed in tandem and released in 1963. Featuring a 1071cc engine. Cooper also produced two S models specifically for circuit racing in the under 1000cc and under 1300cc classes respectively, rated at 970cc and a 1275cc and continued in production until 1971. The Mini Cooper S earned acclaim with Monte Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Minis were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a badly judged decision by the French judges. Huge demand was also generated on the club scene and, quite rightly, continues today. Originally acquired in 1979 by the vendor from a Ms. Anne Levy of Chelsea, London for the sum of £600 (receipt enclosed), the condition left a little to be desired. It was then entrusted to a restorer in Scotland but for various reasons, he was unable to complete the works required. After some years, it was bought back down to England and the work split into three sections; James Pratt Engineers looked after the mechanics, Oxford Coachworks rebuilt the body and Derek Landowski stripped it back and repainted it back to the scheme presented here today. The colour scheme itself is original although the Webasto sunroof was a period addition. With just four previous owners, a full 12 month MoT test certificate, owners manual and workshop manual, this early Mk. II Cooper S is in excellent condition throughout and a thrill to drive.
The history of this revolutionary motorcar is well known; its impact socially, culturally and mechanically is well documented. The Swinging Sixties, free love, The Beetles, Twiggy and the Mini are inexorably combined to represent an era that is remembered with great fondness by many people. The side story is the Mini's impact on motorsport and this is no less extraordinary. Issigonis' friend John Cooper owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula One and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. The original 848cc engine was given a longer stroke to increase capacity to 997cc, boosting power from 34bhp to 55bhp. The car featured a racing-tuned engine, twin SU carburettors, a closer-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, uncommon at the time in a small car. A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the 'S', was then developed in tandem and released in 1963. Featuring a 1071cc engine. Cooper also produced two S models specifically for circuit racing in the under 1000cc and under 1300cc classes respectively, rated at 970cc and a 1275cc and continued in production until 1971. The Mini Cooper S earned acclaim with Monte Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Minis were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a badly judged decision by the French judges. Huge demand was also generated on the club scene and, quite rightly, continues today. Originally acquired in 1979 by the vendor from a Ms. Anne Levy of Chelsea, London for the sum of £600 (receipt enclosed), the condition left a little to be desired. It was then entrusted to a restorer in Scotland but for various reasons, he was unable to complete the works required. After some years, it was bought back down to England and the work split into three sections; James Pratt Engineers looked after the mechanics, Oxford Coachworks rebuilt the body and Derek Landowski stripped it back and repainted it back to the scheme presented here today. The colour scheme itself is original although the Webasto sunroof was a period addition. With just four previous owners, a full 12 month MoT test certificate, owners manual and workshop manual, this early Mk. II Cooper S is in excellent condition throughout and a thrill to drive.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
