1965 Austin Mini Cooper S - Downton/Radford

On offer here at the NEC Classic Motor Show is a 1965 Morris Mini Cooper S that remained in the ownership of just two families for the vast majority of its life. This Cooper S is supported by a substantial history file including a Heritage Certificate indicating a date of manufacture of 2nd December 1964. A copy of the original sales invoice dated November 1964 remains in the file with a note for delivery to Harold Radford at a cost of £8 for additional bodywork and trim modifications. Harold Radford was a successful South London coachbuilder, highly regarded for his work on Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, who formed a separate company creating bespoke bodywork and interior conversions for the Mini range, culminating in the celebrity-acclaimed Mini-de-Ville.

Presumably, the Cooper S was sold for a premium once the Radford works were completed as the first named registered owner was Horace Harris Soho and the registration number was, 1 ELH, as detailed in the original buff logbook also on file. Again, the logbook shows that the original Surf Blue and white was changed to grey seemingly to match the owners Rolls-Royce at the beginning of 1967. Mr Harris passed ownership over to his son (P.J. Harris) who had the Mini restored in the mid 70s and removed the personal plate with GYV 17C being assigned to the car.

It was during this time that the Cooper underwent further modifications with the focus on performance and benefitted from the expertise of Downton Engineering. The engine was bored out to 1,291cc, an H.R.G. Alloy Rocker cover was added with a performance camshaft and twin HS4 SUs on a gas flowed manifold. Lowered (dry) suspension was added, a Mk 2 dashboard fitted (the brochure for this item is amongst the documents) and of course an original green Downton bootlid plate was attached.

The Mini changed hands in the mid-80s and was purchased through the Bournemouth Mini Centre as a 40th birthday present before being completely restored in the early 2000s when the current colours of Tartan Red with a Old English White roof were chosen. The Cooper remained in this second family until 2018. Today, this charming little Cooper S indicates just 34,993 miles which, although not warranted, appears to be supported by sufficient older MOTs within the file. Our vendor informs us that the Mini is in rude heath and for peace of mind, although exempt, the car will have a fresh MOT prior to the sale.

In summary, offered here is a groovy little Cooper S with a fascinating, well-documented history that represents an exciting find for any Mini collector or enthusiast alike.