Description
By 1963 the BMC Competition department knew what they wanted to do with the Mini. Their efforts culminated in the 1963 Austin Cooper S and Morris Cooper S. Besides a host of upgrades, the primary difference was a specially cast engine block and cylinder head that was more suitable for racing.
The first Cooper S models used a 1071cc engine with a special nitrided steel crankshaft. Factory upgrades included larger front disc brakes, a vacuum-assisted brake booster and offset steel wheels which were widened to 4½ inches by 1964. Despite only having around 75 bhp on tap, the Minis were very successful in Group 2 Rally racing, winning the Monte Carlo Rally outright.
This charming car was built on the 26th of November 1965 and was despatched on the 25th January 1966 and is described by the vendor as being in excellent condition in every respect.
The car comes complete with an extensive history file covering the last 20 years from 1996. Prior to the current owner, the car was in Portugal where it was with its keeper for nearly 20 years and is now Dutch registered. Sitting on Minilite wheels and supplied with a Heritage Certificate this Mini presents a sound investment, not to mention a whole lot of fun to drive today as it was in 1965.
