Lot 729: 1971 Mini Cooper 1275 �S� MkIII Saloon

Brainchild of racing car manufacturer John Cooper, the Mini Cooper arrived in September 1961 offering a size/price/performance package that was nothing short of miraculous. The Mini Cooper soon established its credentials as a rally and race winner, and the stage was set for even faster versions. The first of these - the 1,071cc Mini Cooper �S� of 1963 - took engine development a stage further and provided the basis for the 971cc �S� and 1,275cc �S� of 1964. The ultimate Mini of its day, the 1,275cc �S� pumped out 76bhp while remaining exceptionally flexible and was good for a genuine 100mph - an astonishing performance at the time. Ultimately the Cooper �S� fell foul of British Leyland rationalisation, leaving the lacklustre 1275 GT as the only sporting Mini after it was dropped in August 1971. There would be Cooper-badged Minis again in the distant future, but for many enthusiasts the MkIII version, produced during 1970/71, is the last �real� example of the marque.
A apparently straightforward restoration project, this MkIII Mini Cooper S has all the right �goodies� present and correct: twin fuel tanks, vented wheels, bumper over-riders and, of course, the 130mph speedometer. The car is offered with Swansea V5 registration document and sold strictly as viewed.