1964 Austin Mini Countryman "Cooper S" Homage.

Introduced in 1961 the Morris Mini Traveller and Austin Mini Countryman added another variant to the ever expanding Mini range. Adding nearly four inches to the wheelbase and fitting an 'estate car' rear end, quadrupled the luggage carrying capacity of the standard Mini. This particular Austin Super Deluxe smooth roof model includes the non-structural “Woody” rear end, popularised by the Morris Minor Traveller.

Built in 1964, DRR 515B is fresh from a bare shell, full nut and bolt restoration with substantial upgrades and modifications that turn it into a quick, nimble and versatile classic that will hold its own in modern-day traffic.

Work carried out includes the following;

“1275 cc A+ engine, re-bored to 1340cc, blueprinted and tuned, MG Metro Stage 2 unleaded big valve head, AC Dodd RS camshaft, HIF44 carburettor, Cooper free-flow exhaust manifold, ' Maniflow performance exhaust, lightened flywheel with Metro Turbo clutch, fully rebuilt 4 synchro Hybrid gearbox with original "magic wand" gear change. Alternator in place of the dynamo.

'Stage 1' handling kit including rear arm camber/toe adjustable KAD brackets, front adjustable ride height, negative camber bottom arms and adjustable tie rods. Bilstein dampers all round, Yokohama performance tyres on genuine Minilite wheels.

Cooper 'S' Disc brakes, master cylinder and brake servo. Performance Mintex brake pads.

Halogen headlights and brand new uprated wiring loom.

Fully refurbished interior with period instrument binnacle including water temperature and oil pressure gauge. Period Smiths rev. counter. Fully hidden and integrated Bluetooth audio system with twin speakers and subwoofer. Motolita leather steering wheel and added period cigarette lighter for charging mobile etc. Stainless fasteners used throughout.”

This appears to be a thorough 'nut and bolt' restoration and the quality of the work looks excellent. The car is finished in Tartan Red with silver wheels and externally looks like a nicely restored, sixties, standard Mini Countryman, however, this is undoubtedly a proper 'Q' car.

Dress up like your Grandad/Grandma and pull up alongside a big Mercedes at the traffic lights. Acknowledge the polite smile of appreciation at your immaculate old classic tinged with a little puzzlement as to why you have pulled up next to them. Green light, drop the clutch and smoke off into the distance, pausing momentarily to observe the startled expression in your rear view mirror. Bit childish perhaps, but could be fun.