1961 Morris Mini Cooper (997)

• Early Mini Coopers were built in two batches, the first 150 in July 1961 followed by further cars in August/September 1961
• #KA2S4 159703, was completed on the 21/09/1961, is the 76th built of the second batch and consequently is the 226th Cooper to be built
• Despatched to Reeds of Peterborough and onward to its first owner who registered it on 01/12/1961
• Fully restored by our vendor with the emphasis on period accuracy. The indicated mileage is 45,640
• OFL 94 looks fabulous in Tartan Red with a Black Roof and the correct Tartan Red and Gold Brocade interior 
• Very limited mileage since restoration. Featured in an article in ‘Miniworld’ 10 years ago
• Confirmed as the 3rd oldest survivor, this sparkling little Cooper would be welcome at any of the marque's forthcoming 60th Birthday celebrations

Father of the Mini, Alec Issigonis, was firmly against the idea of a performance version of his new baby, despite several long evenings of animated discussion with his good friend, F1 guru, John Cooper in the Royal Oak. However, after JC appealed to BMC Management, Issigonis' concerns were disregarded and the two good friends eventually cooperated in creating what rapidly became and still remains a legendary little motor car. The first cars used a 997cc twin-carb A-series, changed for a short-stroke 998cc unit from 1964. Front disc brakes were standard and Mini-Coopers stood out thanks to their two-tone paint schemes and special grilles. Speeds of around 90mph may not have been all-out fast, but the Cooper's handling brilliance turned it into a potent race and rally tool.

2021 marks the 60^th Anniversary of the Mini Cooper so it’s fitting that we are able to offer this delightful little 1961 Morris Mini Cooper 997 from the first few months of production. We understand that the early Mini Coopers were built in two batches, the first 150 cars in July 1961 followed by further cars in August/September 1961. Our vendor is a much-respected and knowledgeable Mini enthusiast and has spent some time researching this car. He has established that  #KA2S4 159703, was completed on the 21st September 1961, is the 76th built of the second batch and consequently is the 226th Cooper (115th Morris) to be built. It was despatched to Reeds of Peterborough and onward to its first owner who registered it on 1/12/1961.

Perhaps more importantly, exhaustive research has suggested that it’s the 3rd oldest known survivor. 

OFL 94 looks fabulous in Tartan Red with a Black Roof and the correct Tartan Red and Gold Brocade interior. The indicated mileage is currently 45,640.

In our owner’s words;

“This car was built on 21^st September 1961 and I purchased it on 22^nd April 2004 from a Francis Greaves of Chesterfield who had owned it for the previous 24 years.

The car required a full restoration which I undertook over the next couple of years. I have some photos during restoration. Any parts that were incorrect were sourced and replaced with genuine replacements as it would have left the factory. These very early 997cc Coopers had quite a lot of changes in the first year of production notably the brakes and some interior details including speedo and temp gauges (in degrees). The brake calipers and brake intensifier fitted are ‘new old stock’ items as were many other parts. According to the DVLA history report, I am the 4th registered keeper and the Mini Cooper Register have confirmed the car is the 3rd oldest known survivor.

The car has only done a very limited mileage since restoration, just to a few shows and was featured in an article in ‘Miniworld’ 10 years ago.”

Many might regard this car as a museum piece and it would certainly grace any Mini collection, however, we feel that as this year is the 60th anniversary of the Mini Cooper, this venerable little 997 should celebrate its 60th birthday in September surrounded by admirers.

In pin-sharp condition and guided at just £20-£25,000, a new home for OFL 94 is surely just around the corner.