Lot 28: Mini Cooper

Born as the result of a collaboration between Issigonis and John Cooper, designer and builder of Formula 1 and rally cars, the legendary Mini Cooper was launched in 1961. The car featured a race-tuned engine, twin SU carburettors, a closer-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, uncommon at the time in a small car. In line with the rest of the Mini range the Cooper models received the Mk II updates in 1967 consisting of a squarer grille, larger rear window and larger rear lamps. In Cooper S guise, the car immortalised itself by winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967. An original right-hand drive home-market Cooper, this 1968 example has been largely garaged since 2004, during which time it has only covered around 300 miles. The previous keeper is understood to have restored the car, which the seller believes included a respray and many new parts including a replacement 998cc engine converted for unleaded petrol and fitted with a carburettor upgrade. He describes the engine and paintwork as "very good'" and the transmission and electrical equipment as "good", but points out that "the driver's seat has two small tears", though the interior trim remains to its original pattern. The car comes fitted with a stylish wood-rim Moto-Lita wheel, and is complete with a Heritage certificate which confirms the build date as 1st March 1968. It retains its original owner's handbook and has an MOT until July 2009.