1968 Austin Mini Cooper MkII 998

Making its debut in 1961, the giant-slaying Mini Cooper went on to become one of the most successful competition cars of all time, literally running rings around far bigger and more potent opponents as a result of its incredible handling. The original 997cc long-stroke engine was supplanted in 1964 with the 998cc unit offering 55bhp and the twin SUs and close-ratio gearbox made for a very successful formula. A major revamp occurred in 1967 with the introduction of the MkII with a larger rear window and a different grille amongst a raft of other changes. Some 16,000 MKII Coopers were sold before production came to an end in 1969 and survivors are increasingly prized by collectors.

Built on the 3rd of July 1968, JDR 612F was originally a standard 998cc Austin Cooper MkII finished in white with a black roof. At some point in its early life, one of its owners had decided that the call of motorsport could not be ignored and JDR was prepared for its next role as a rally car.

We are not sure whether it was gradually developed over a period of time or was prepared initially as an homage to the mid-1960s ‘Works’ cars but it certainly looks the part now. Traditionally finished in Tartan Red with an Old English White roof, the little car sits well on chunky 10” Minilites popping out from black extended arches and sports a heavy duty sump-guard, Cooper’S’ twin tanks with quick-fillers, a quartet of Lucas spot/fog lights, a roof-mounted hand-operated spotlight, bonnet and boot straps and much more. There are some cheeky Cooper S badges on the boot and bonnet but, sadly, it’s not a 1275.

Apart from the full roll-cage, a new dashboard panel and a hand-held extinguisher, the interior is basically standard and equipped with the normal working tools of a navigators life, internal fuses, map reading light, multiple stop watches and a Halda Twinmaster.

It was owned and rallied by navigator, Nigel Chetwynd, and driven by his friend, Peter Barker, during the late 80s and early 90s with much success including an outright win in the Cumbria Classic in 1990 and second in class on the Solway Rally (There will be some press cuttings from that period with the car).

JDR has been owned since 2005 by a father and daughter and is on offer from their private Mini Collection. We understand that it's been well-maintained during their ownership and has been out from time to time on road rallies and regularity runs. Our vendor has fitted rear lights and a rear screen from a Mk I Cooper further enhancing its ‘factory’ look. The car has a very strong shell and drives extremely well and, as an entry-level rally car represents great value for money, although the currency of the safety equipment (cage, belts, extinguisher etc.) would have to be established.

Or perhaps just use it for fun days out, regularity events or the odd club sprint. Versatile little Cooper with a really great ‘look’.