1968 Austin Mini Cooper S MKII

Alec Issigonis' friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula 1 and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini as a performance car, but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper. The Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper debuted in 1961. A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the "S", was developed in tandem and released in 1963.

The Cooper S MKII is the rarest of all of the Mini Coopers with a production run of 6,300 compared to 19,000 MKI's. This fine example was manufactured on the 4th of July, 1968, was dispatched from the factory on the 8th of July and was subsequently sold by Mann Egerton of Wimbledon. Our vendor, who is a retired mechanical engineer, informs us that he purchased the car in May of 2014 in a dismantled state, the previous owner had stripped the car down in 1999 with the intention of doing a complete restoration however it was never completed. It transpired that the bodyshell had previously been repaired in all the usual places using incorrect parts and the welding had been done to a very poor standard thus it was decided to embark on a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration.

The bodyshell was completely stripped back and the following items replaced: Full floor, boot floor, heel board, O/S inner wing, both A posts inner and outer panels to both sides, both front wings, front panel, both front doors, rear valence and the scuttle panel. Importantly, all the panels replaced were either genuine Heritage or M machined parts and the shell was rebuilt on an approved jig to ensure excellent panel gaps. The shell was then repainted in its original colour of Snowberry White with a contrasting Black roof.

Attention was then focused on both the engine and gearbox.The "A' series engine was completely stripped, and the big ends, main bearings, piston rings and all other required parts were replaced. The gearbox was stripped and the baulk rings were replaced along with new gaskets and oil seals. The entire braking system was replaced with all new parts including new discs and callipers to the front and new drums to the rear. All new brake pipes have been fitted throughout and the servo has been completely stripped and rebuilt to new. The vehicles hydrolastic suspension system has all new piping along with knuckle joints and is reported to be in excellent condition. Both subframes were completely stripped and found to be in very good order and as such were powder coated for future long life protection. Both rear radius arms have been replaced as have both front wheel bearings. Other parts replaced include the steering rack, track rod ends, 5 new tyres, complete wiring harness, complete new RC40 type exhaust, clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder and both carburettors have been overhauled.

As can be seen, the depth of restoration has been substantial and from our past experience Mini Coopers such as this do not remain unsold for very long, so if you are looking for a stunning example with great investment prospects, then this is the one for you. Sold with a fresh MOT, Swansea V5C, Heritage Certificate, photographs and other paperwork this really is a turn-key completed project. There is nothing to do other than enjoy this wonderful little Cooper S and admire the attention to detail that has been put into this beautiful restoration of a true British motoring icon.