1966 Austin Mini Cooper S Mk 1 Ex-Merseyside Police Car

According to the accompanying Heritage Certificate, this Austin Mini Cooper S (1,275cc) was a right-hand drive, home-market, single tank car finished in Police White with Tartan Red and Gold Brocade trim. Built on 24th November 1966, it was dispatched on 1st December 1966 to Voss Motors Limited of Liverpool, and first registered on 16th December 1966. Police White was a particular shade designed to be more reflective at night, so we assume this little Cooper was destined for the Merseyside Police.

We understand that the car was previously re-shelled as the original shell had rotted away and was replaced with a slightly earlier shell. The engine was also replaced and was fitted with a desirable Downton-tuned 970S unit. The only other obvious variation from the original spec is a Moto-Lita woodrim and reclining front seats but they are correctly trimmed in Tartan Red and Gold Brocade.

In the accompanying history file, there are 18 pages of invoices dating from 1996 showing work carried out over the years, including re-assembling the vehicle after the re-shell, as well as separate parts invoices dating from 1998. Also in the history file are the accompanying Heritage Certificate, old green logbook, previous MOT Certificates and an earlier photograph of the car.

On offer from long-term current ownership, the car seems to sit well on its silver Minilites and looks good in classic Cooper black and white. With a little bit of time and effort and further detailing, this little S could be taken to the next level, and we feel that it's very sensibly-guided given the potential on offer.