1967 | Austin Mini Cooper 998 MK1

Lot details

Year: 1967
Make: Austin
Model: Mini Cooper Mk. I
Registration: KAF 370E
Chassis No: C-A257/1013978
Engine No: 9F0-SA-H/25992

• Multiple show winning example
• Supplied with a Heritage Certificate confirming matching numbers
• Extensively restored between 2020-2022

Designed by Alex Issigonis in 1959, a new concept in car design was born. With a monocoque shell, transversely mounted engine and front wheel drive, the new 'Mini', as it was commonly known, soon became popular across a broad spectrum of the population. The potential for competition use was soon seen by John Cooper and although Alex Issigonis was less keen, BMC were finally persuaded by John Cooper and the two worked together in culminating 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.

This example was first registered on 27th of April 1967 and sold by MTP Motor Ltd of Truro, Cornwall. This super little Cooper was found in a garden in Newquay and was duly rescued from its role as a garden ornament, to commence restoration in late 2020, which was completed in 2022. The car underwent a complete extensive ground up restoration by SAC &Co Engineering, motor engineers by trade, who are often found building Jaguar E-Type bodies but also handle many other aspects of car refurbishment and CAD work. The car has had further fine tinkering by a Mini specialist at Brightwell Motor Company and it is estimated that all the restoration works cost in excess of £35,000. Rarer than a Cooper S, these Mk. I Coopers are hard to come by, let alone in such incredible condition. New front and rear subframes, along with all new braking components and suspension parts were fitted and the engine was completely rebuilt by Mini specialist, Crafted Classics Tuning. The interior is remarkable with red and gold brocade, Newton commercial interior, tartan red carpets with the addition of a Mota-Lita wood rim steering wheel and Britax period seat belts, the result is simply stunning! It is finished in gleaming Old English White with black roof and has the optional heater. Following paint, the bodywork was treated with a ceramic coating on all exterior surfaces, including the underneath and wheel arches. The car has completed no further than 1,500 miles since the restoration and is reported to be 'better than new' and has been a multiple show winner over the past few years. It has been shown with the British Mini Club Concours event over the past few years and was also shown at the NEC Classic Motor Show in both 2023/2024. This is arguably one of, if not the best Mk. I Cooper currently available and is supplied to auction with a V5 registration document, a history file containing invoices from the restoration and maintenance work, pictures taken throughout the restoration process and a Heritage Certificate showing this to be a matching numbers car. Consigned by Fraser Smith