1964 MKI FIA Mini Cooper S 1293

Power output is believed 115 bhp @ flywheel

Genuine Mk1 Cooper 1071S with supporting Heritage Certificate

1293cc Swiftune engine and close-ratio four-speed gearbox/competition diff

Prepared to a very high standard and specification at great expense

Professionally adapted to FIA Regs in 2009 in preparation for the St Mary's at Goodwood

Campaigned by professional race driver & Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal

Very little use since completed. 8007 ET registration will remain with the car

An excellent example of an original Right-hand drive home market supplied Mk.1 Morris Mini Cooper 1071 'S' manufactured on 5th March 1964 and sold through Morris Garages Ltd of Oxford. Having been in the same family for some 26 years, the decision was taken to have the car professionally built to a full race FIA spec at a not inconsiderable expense. This decision was prompted by an announcement from Goodwood that the 2009 St Mary's Trophy two driver race would be run exclusively for Mini Coopers in celebration of the Mini's 50th Birthday The normal format is that there are two separate races over two days with the first part usually involving motorsport celebrities and the Sunday race for the cars owners. We have no idea who may have been asked to share the drive but the Saturday seat was offered to multiple CART Champion and 1986 Indy winner Bobby Rahal.Front-wheel drive Mini Coopers don't seem to appear anywhere on Mr Rahal's CV however he finished Saturday's race in a respectable 13th ahead of some talented drivers including Jochen Mass, Warwick Banks, Vern Schuppan, Andy Rouse, Tiff Needell, John Cleland and Stephan Johansson. Following this race, the car has seen little use and remains in excellent condition.

8007 ET is powered by one of Swiftune's legendary 1293 cc engine and includes a Tuftrided crank, race pistons, Stage 3 head, lightened and balanced flywheel, and twin HS4 carburettors and is believed to produce 120bhp at the wheels measured on the rolling road. Additionally, to keep temperatures under control, it benefits from an oil cooler accompanied by a wide radiator coupled with a multiblade fan. The gearbox is a close-ratio four-speed coupled to a competition diff and clutch. Handling of this nimble little car is controlled by Hi-Lo adjustable suspension and braking by way of 'S' discs and calipers up front and Minifins to the rear. It is to FIA spec and is fitted with a full roll cage, internally routed brake lines, heated front screen, plumbed-in fire extinguisher and genuine Vortz 'rose petal' wheels. Supplied with the accompanying registration number of 8007 ET, a history file including restoration/build photographs, MOTs dating back to 1976, numerous invoices and a copy of the Mini World article where it was featured as the cover car in June 1996.

There can't be many racing drivers who, with the appropriate equipment and adequate funds, wouldn't relish trawling through a list of motorsport personalities, Le Mans and Grand Prix drivers, negotiating a shared drive in the St Mary's, and spending time on the grid and the Paddock Club with some great names. Well, the opportunity is here.