1965 Austin Mini Cooper 'Café Racer'

This 1965 Austin Mini has undergone a dramatic transformation into a bespoke 'Café Racer', blending period correct charm and aesthetics with a plethora of performance upgrades. Originally starting life as a humble Austin Mini 850, it has been subject to a meticulous rebuild, resulting in a vehicle that is as thrilling to drive as it is captivating at a showground.

First registered in 1965, it spent its early years as a standard 850 model, before receiving a significant overhaul in the 1990s. During this period, the then owner, with family connections to the Longbridge plant, acquired a brand new Mini bodyshell and upgraded the powerplant to a more potent 1,275cc unit. The vehicle remained in this form for several years before finding its way into the hands of an enthusiast who undertook a comprehensive restoration and rebuild in 2012-2013, with almost every aspect of the Mini being refined and enhanced with no expense spared. The results speak for themselves, with the car winning competitions at Goodwood and proving its credentials. Since then, it has been primarily used for exhibition purposes, appearing at prestigious automotive shows and being used for a wonderful B-Road blast, having covered just 1,585 miles covered since its 2012/13 restoration.

Externally, the bodywork has been finished to an exceptional standard, resprayed in a striking maroon with a contrasting black roof. The traditional Mini aesthetics are upheld with period details such as twin chrome mirrors, Cosmic wheel arches and quick-release bonnet leather straps. Adding to its aggressive stance are genuine GB Minilite wheels, wrapped in premium Yokohama tyres that were newly fitted in 2024.

The interior is fabulous and encapsulates the Mini’s bespoke nature, including specially commissioned Cooper S high-back reclining seats, trimmed in black with red piping, with the rear seats being upholstered to match. A handcrafted dashboard houses an array of period correct instrumentation, including the original central Mini Cooper S speedometer, supplemented by additional gauges and timing equipment, a nod to the car’s competition history. Navigation lighting and sliding windows further add to the classic motorsport feel, while a heated windscreen ensures visibility remains uncompromised.

Mechanically the 1,275cc engine has been extensively enhanced, featuring high-lift roller-rockers, a Kent camshaft and a MED-sourced 7-port cylinder head. Twin Weber carburettors allow for optimal breathing, while the custom exhaust system ensures a raucous soundtrack. Power is delivered through a Quaife automatic torque-biasing differential, aiding traction and responsiveness. The handling has been similarly upgraded, with adjustable coil-overs front and rear, a KAD alloy rear beam axle and a quick-ratio steering rack.

This Mini’s extensive history is well documented, with a comprehensive file of receipts, records and photographs detailing the work undertaken. From its origins as a standard road-going Mini to its evolution into a bespoke performance machine, essentially every stage of this car’s life has been carefully recorded.

Balancing period charm with modern performance enhancements, this 'Café Racer' is a fabulous machine. Whether admired on display, enjoyed on the road, or pushed on track, it delivers a visceral and deeply rewarding experience. For those seeking an exceptional example of a classic Mini with a motorsport pedigree, this car represents a unique and unmissable opportunity.