1962 Morris Mini Cooper Mk.I

The first Mini Cooper was launched in July 1961 and is still revered today as the second most important car in history after the Ford Model T. It had been developed by the designer of the original Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis, with racing driver and engineer, John Cooper - who in 1959 had driven a prototype Mini to the Italian Grand Prix and had been greatly impressed by the car. It was initially produced with a 997cc version of the BMC A series engine which was fitted with twin SU carburettors, revised cylinder head, and an improved exhaust system. The car was also fitted with a close ratio gearbox which had a remote gearshift, a higher axle ratio than the standard Mini and was fitted with front disc brakes.

These Coopers were easily distinguishable from the standard models by the different front grille, two-tone paintwork, and on the Mk 1 - two-tone upholstery. All Coopers were fitted with 100mph speedometers as opposed to the 90mph units on standard cars. The Mini Cooper and Cooper 'S' were successful as rally cars, famously winning the Monte Carlo Rally four times from 1964 through to 1967 under the stewardship of famous drivers such as the legendary Paddy Hopkirk, Rauno Aaltonen and Timo Mäkinen.

The car offered for sale today is a superbly prepared 1962 Morris Mini Cooper Mk.I 997cc currently presented in Cooper "S' specification with a throaty 1380 Mini Speed engine fitted. First registered in London on 13 June 1963, "314 FXH' comes complete with official Heritage Certificate, original buff logbook and a fresh 12 month MoT test certificate.

This money-no-object constructed car was purpose built by William Birrell of Motorvation Classic Cars in Sarrat, Hertfordshire in 1999. The car was built up for use on Classic rally events and as such has competed in several Winter Rallies, the Classic Marathon and Rally of the Tests. The resulting badges and stickers still proudly adorn the windows, coachwork and driver's door as shown in the photographs.

The current specification makes this very affordable classic rally entrant a very potent weapon. The 1380cc Mini Speed engine with steel internals, 286 scatter cam running a single side draft Webber produces a healthy 120bhp. The transmission, freshly built since the cars last event in late 2004 is a Jack Knight 5 speed dog box with Jack Knight selector and linkage. The car further boasts original Mini Cooper S front disc brakes, Mini Fin rear drums, Hi-Lo shock absorber units and fully adjustable suspension, twin fuel tanks, (including the original right hand period tank), twin fuel pumps, full 6 point safety devices roll cage with door bars, Sparco rally seats re-trimmed in black leather with six-point harnesses, heated front and rear screens, full fire system with cut-out and full under body guards. Also included in the Lot are Minilite wheels (six in total) and the full lighting package including four Cibie Oscars on the front, the original Lucas roof light and original Lucas reverse light. In the cockpit the car sports a full rally dash comprising original Halda Twin master, period clock, lighting, gauges, map lights, etc...

The sum of it's parts alone exceeds the top estimate!

Interested parties can further satisfy themselves that '314 FXH' will also be supplied with its original 997cc matching numbers engine and gearbox which can be swapped in for pre-63 events. Unlike the existing 1380cc unit which is only one event old, the vendor does recommend that a refresh of the 997cc engine be considered before competitive use.

Despite its creation as a forceful competition car and not a trailer queen concours contender, the overall condition is very good and significantly exceeds standard rally car fit and finish.