1963 Austin Cooper S FIA Appendix K

Based on a 1963 Austin Cooper 1071'S' and superbly restored

Fitted with a Swiftune 1293cc A-Series engine, gearbox and diff

Fully prepared to FIA Appendix'K'.Class CT7. Period F:1962 to 1965. HTP.

Immaculate in Almond Green and Old Engish White. Recently refurbed 'Rose Petal' wheels

A similar car today would be in excess of £65,000, making this an attractive proposition at today's guide

A rare opportunity to acquire a superbly prepared, on the button, FIA Cooper 'S' race car

The Mini Cooper has been a mainstay of the Motorsport scene around the world for over fifty years. From enthralling battles with much larger competition in period, to latter-day giant-killing performances in Historic Touring cars, the Mini Cooper represented an opportunity to compete at high levels for privateers with cars not far removed from the works entrants, enhanced by a plethora of emerging tuning companies and race/rally parts. Driven by names such as Hopkirk, "Whizzo' Williams and "Smokin' John Rhodes, the Mini Cooper firmly cemented its place in motorsport folklore.

Based, we believe, on a 1963 Austin Cooper 1071'S', this fabulous little Mini-racer has been superbly prepared as a competitive 'Historic' full-race car. The accompanying Historic Technical Passport (Appendix K) from 2012, confirms its validity for Race, Hill-climbs, or Rallies as a 'Competition Touring Car-Class CT7. Period F: 1962 to 1965. It's powered by a Swiftune-prepared 1293cc, 4-cylinder, A-Series which we understand develops around 140bhp. Ultimate power is the single most important factor for an FIA Mini yet the need to use twin SU carburettors and points ignition doesn't make life easy and consequently Swiftune focus on the cylinder head and camshaft. Their FIA-approved cast cylinder head and their partnership with Kent Cams for race-proven camshaft design has proven critical in achieving those last few bhp. Swiftune's 50 years' experience of building competition A-Series engines has resulted in their legendary 1293cc engine producing over 125bhp at 8000rpm, and a bit more when requested, combined with the reliability associated with the use of high-grade components and experienced hand assembly. Further details regarding the engine spec, gearbox, diff, suspension and brakes are available from our office and will be available with the car at the time of sale.

The appearance of competition cars is normally of less importance than the mechanicals, however, this little Cooper is virtually immaculate. It's finished in its original Almond Green with an Old English White roof and has obviously been completely restored and repainted at some point. The interior is also immaculate and retains the 'standard' appearance of the original as required by the FIA. Attention to detail is everywhere, the standard binnacle and switch panel have been retained and unusually the driver's side door'cubby', which is normally removed, has been scalloped to fit around the roll cage diagonal and retained. It's fitted with a Corbeau race seat, full harness and piped-in fire extinguisher (details available from the office) but potential buyers should satisfy themselves as to the legality and currency of all the safety equipment in this car. The 'Rose Petal' wheels have recently been refurbished and there is a full spare set of 'petal' alloy wheels and tyres. The car is also supplied with a spare 'short' motor and internals and is accompanied by its FIA papers, Technical Passport and the usual invoices etc..

Last raced at Circuit des Ramparts-d'Angouleme in 2015, this is an extremely quick car with no expenses spared on creating an excellent race-going specification. The likely cost of building a similar car today would be in excess of £65,000, making this an attractive proposition at today's guide price. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a superbly prepared, on the button, historic Cooper 'S' race car that would be welcome at any prestige Historic event, anywhere.