Lot 228: 1965 Mini Cooper S Rally Recreation

Arguably the most popular British-made car ever, the original Mini Cooper is considered an icon of the 1960s, and its space-saving front-wheel-drive layout, which allowed 80% of the area of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage, influenced a generation of car-makers. Sir Alec Issigonis' iconic design was manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants in Great Britain, the Victoria Park/Zetland British Motor Corporation (Australia) factory in Sydney, Australia, and later also in Spain (Authi), Belgium, Chile, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, Uruguay, Venezuela and Yugoslavia. A more powerful version of the original design, the Mini Cooper S earned acclaim with Monte Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Minis were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a controversial decision by the French judges. The disqualification related to the use of a variable resistance headlamp dimming circuit in place of a dual-filament lamp. It should be noted that the Citron DS that was eventually awarded first place had illegal white headlamps but escaped disqualification! The driver of the Citron, Paul Toivonen, was reluctant to accept the trophy and vowed that he would never race for Citron again. BMC probably received more publicity from the disqualification than it would have gained from a victory - but had the Mini not been disqualified, it would have been the only car in history to be placed in the top three on the Monte Carlo for six consecutive years. Chassis number C-A2S7/732706 was comprehensively restored to full rally specification in 1992 and is fitted with a straight-cut gearbox, roll cage, twin fuel tanks, navigation equipment, Momo Corse racing seats, and Willans racing seat harnesses. The car was acquired by the current owner in 2003, and the next year the engine and gearbox were rebuilt, leaving the car in excellent mechanical condition. This Mini Cooper S is offered in excellent condition throughout, and comes complete with V5 registration document, a current MoT test certificate and FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form. A true treat for anyone who appreciates iconic British design or wishes to participate in any historic rally events.