1967 Austin Mini Cooper S Rally Car

The first Mini Cooper was launched in July 1961 and is still revered today as the second most important car in history after the Ford Model T. It had been developed by the designer of the original Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis, with racing driver and engineer, John Cooper - who in 1959 had driven a prototype Mini to the Italian Grand Prix and had been greatly impressed by the car. It was initially produced with a 997cc version of the BMC A series engine and fitted with twin SU carburettors, a revised cylinder head and an improved exhaust system. The car was also fitted with a close ratio gearbox, a higher axle ratio than the standard Mini and it was fitted with front disc brakes.

These Coopers were easily distinguishable from the standard models by the different front grille, two-tone paintwork, and on the Mk 1 - two-tone upholstery. All Coopers were fitted with 100mph speedometers as opposed to the 90mph units on standard cars. The Mini Cooper and Cooper 'S' were successful as rally cars, famously winning the Monte Carlo Rally four times from 1964 through to 1967, under the stewardship of famous drivers such as the legendary Paddy Hopkirk, Rauno Aaltonen and Timo Mäkinen.

Built in December 1967, this Mini was manufactured by the factory to Police specification before being dispatched to Lookers Limited of Manchester, who we believe then supplied the car to the Manchester Police.

Purchased in 2005 by our vendor, the car by this time had already been converted to race/rally specification. The car was campaigned in many major rallies across the UK, including the Ilkley MC 'Jubilee Rally', Clitheroe & District MC 'Clitheronian' night rally and Knutsford & District MC 'Tour of Cheshire'. By 2008 the Mini was starting to look tired and the decision was then taken to completely strip the car down and fully restore it.

The shell was completely stripped to bare metal and repainted in its black livery. New seam-welded sub-frames were then fitted, as was new front and rear adjustable suspension. Braking is provided by front disc brakes and rear 'Super Fin' drum brakes with braided hoses, a hydraulic handbrake and adjustable brake bias.

The 1293cc engine was also stripped and rebuilt with a balanced steel crank, fast road cam and roller rockers. Since the rebuild, it is has covered just 100 miles and was dyno tested at 105bhp. The engine is mated, via a rally clutch and ultra-light flywheel, to a refreshed straight cut 'dog box', with a new drop gear set, bearings and competition layshaft.

Inside the shell the car is fitted with a full roll cage and door bars, along with 4-point harnesses and full bucket seats. The car features a custom dashboard, which includes many rally upgrades - such as a trip counter, compass, and two 12v sockets.