1967 Mini Cooper MK1

• Right-hand drive Mk1 Mini Cooper beautifully prepared for the 10th Monte-Carlo Historic, finishing successfully
• Stripped to a bare shell in 1999, seam-welded then completely rebuilt from the ground up to the Rally Regulations
• A high-quality restoration documented with photographs, invoices and today presenting extremely well
• Lots of history. Build records, pace notes, MOTs, invoices and supporting documents
• Recently repatriated from Guernsey, on a NOVA, taxes paid

This lovely Mk1 Mini Cooper was first registered on 07/04/1967, finished in blue with a white roof. Photographs within the history folder show the condition of the car in 1998 when it was purchased with one goal in mind, an entry in the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. The car was completely stripped to its basic components and totally rebuilt to a specification allowing entry into the event. The engine was rebuilt with a 997 camshaft, scalloped pistons to accommodate a ported big valve head, and a long manifold connected to a works-spec central exhaust system. The interior is to period works rally-spec including twin stopwatches and a Twin Halda Speedmaster. Now finished in Tartan Red with the standard white roof, the exterior has period spotlights, boot-mounted reversing light, twin fuel tanks and a sump guard. The suspension has rubber cones and is fully adjustable. Extensive photographic accounts of the work can be found in the history folder supported by invoices and it is clear to see the sheer quality of the workmanship as 20 years after the restoration the car still presents extremely well, beautifully in fact. The rally was successfully completed and the entry forms, brochures and pace notes are included in the history file. Subsequently, the car was dry stored for a number of years before the decision was taken to have the engine professionally overhauled by Southam Mini Centre and shortly afterwards the owner moved to Guernsey where our vendor was offered and purchased the car in 2012.

Today this little Cooper presents beautifully, looking every inch a sixties rally car, and is said to perform well. On inspection, it's clear to see that the quality of the restoration and recent correct storage has meant that it remains in excellent shape. Our vendor has little time to use the car so has decided to pass it on to another Mini Cooper enthusiast. At the time of cataloguing, the car is in the process of being repatriated from Guernsey with a NOVA applied for and any applicable taxes paid.

As far as we can see, there will always be events suitable for sixties Mini Coopers and this well-prepared example is ideally suited for fast-road, hill-climbs, sprints and historic rallying with a few minor modifications to suit particular event regulations. As always with a car used in competition, it's necessary to check the currency and suitability of any safety equipment but, that done, this super Monte-Carlo Mini will be welcome anywhere.