1966 | Austin Mini Cooper 'S' 1275

Lot details

Year: 1966
Make: Austin
Model: Mini Cooper
Registration: IN-16-14
Chassis No: CA297L947231
Engine No: tbc
Mileage: 7,682
(a): Cooper S Spec
(b): Left hand drive
(c): UK taxes paid with Nova certificate

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. A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the 'S', was developed in tandem and released in 1963. Featuring a 1071cc engine and larger servo-assisted disc brakes, 4,030 Cooper S cars were produced and sold until the model was updated in August 1964. Cooper also produced two S models specifically for circuit racing in the under 1,000 cc and under 1,300 cc classes respectively, rated at 970cc and a 1,275cc. The smaller-engine model was not well received, and only 963 had been built when the model was discontinued in 1965. The 1,275 cc Cooper S models continued in production until 1971.

Originally supplied to Portugal, this delightful left hand drive Mini Cooper has been subject to a major restoration including upgrades to Cooper S specification. Imported to the UK in 2019, it has been on static display as part of a private collection but has recently been subject to some recommissioning and so is ready to be enjoyed by its new custodian. Supplied with Portuguese registration documents but it comes with a Nova certification confirming UK taxes paid. Consigned by John Dutton.