1964 Morris Mini Cooper 'S' 1275

Rare and desirable dry suspension model.(1/300). Single tank option chosen

Fully restored using only period parts. Period Paddy Hopkirk seats. New carpets

1300 GT engine currently fitted - original 1275 block available with car. Original gearbox and carbs

Heritage Certificate and corresponding numbers

Presented in original factory colour combination of Tartan Red and Black

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. These nimble little cars soon established their credentials as race and rally winners, and the stage was set for even faster versions. The first of these - the 1,071cc Mini Cooper 'S' of 1963 - took engine development a stage further and provided the basis for the 970 'S' and 1275 'S' of 1964. The ultimate Mini of its day, the 1275 'S', pumped out 76bhp while remaining exceptionally flexible, and was good for a genuine 100mph - an astonishing performance at the time.

The 1275 S that we are offering here is rather unusual in a number of respects. It was built on the 4th December 1964 and first registered on the 1st of January, 1965, presumably to take advantage of the change in registration number suffix, and on its Heritage Certificate, the only extras listed are a heater and 4.5” rims. Although twin petrol tanks were chosen by most 1275S customers (standard from '66) there was an option to just have one and this car's first owner exercised that option and also preferred that the car was fitted with 'dry' suspension as opposed to the new 'Hydrolastic' system which arrived in 1964. However, the main reason this Cooper is unusual is that it has only been enjoyed by two owners, the last (our vendor) for 43 years!

During his ownership, the Cooper was used for occasional club competitions and prepared accordingly but recently the decision was taken to restore the car back to near original standard specification using only period parts and not modern reproductions, maintaining originality. All serviceable suspension and brake components were replaced or reconditioned as was pretty much everything else during the rebuild. The torquey 1300GT engine, fitted for competition use, remains in situ, however, the correct SU carburettor set-up remains and the gearbox is original. The, matching numbers, original 1275 engine block will be supplied with the car.

Now superbly finished in its original Tartan Red and Black, the 'S' looks fabulous with its silver Minilites, black wheel arches, stick-on number plate, new carpets, and period Paddy Hopkirk seats. As well as the Heritage Certificate and its V5C the car is accompanied by a number of older MOTs and invoices for servicing and maintenance. This is a very smart little 1275 'S' that has obviously been much loved for the last forty-three years, and looks like it's ready for the next forty-three.