Lot 018: 1965 AUSTIN MINI COOPER S

The chance meeting between John Cooper and Aurelio Lampredi at the 1959 Italian Grand Prix is now an established part of Mini folklore. Having charmed an early 850cc model out of BMC and driven it to the Monza meeting, Cooper was accosted by Fiat engineer (and former Ferrari F1 designer) Lampredi. Infected by his old enemy's enthusiasm, the Italian asked to borrow the new wonder car. Returning several hours later, he heralded it as the future of automotive design before adding "if it weren't so ugly, I'd shoot myself". Unperturbed (or perhaps encouraged) Cooper continued to harass Issigonis and BMC until they agreed to build a 'hot' version. Initially conceived as a homologation special, the Mini Cooper was launched in July 1961. Powered by an enlarged 997cc engine and benefiting from front disc brakes, it gave way to a succession of ever quicker variants culminating in the 1275 'S' of 1964. Finished in yellow with black upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres (while, he also rates the interior trim as "very good" and notes the presence of some touched-in stone chips). According to an accompanying BMIHT certificate, chassis C-A2S7L-675832 was manufactured during December 1965. Despatched to BMC Detroit thereafter and US registered the following year, the Cooper S was brought back from California by The Northern Healey Centre in January 2007. Seemingly the subject of a recent restoration whilst Stateside the Austin boasts an upgraded interior complete with a wooden dashboard, sports steering wheel, rev-counter, bucket seats and wood-lined interior door trims. Sourced from a Mini 1275 GT, its twin SU carburettor-fed engine has been dressed with a 'Motoplus' rocker cover and pancake air filters etc. Now UK registered as 'PUA 365D', the two-door saloon is said to "drive beautifully" with "a lovely deep roar" from its exhaust. Riding on Minilite-style alloys, this comparatively rare LHD Mini Cooper S is offered for sale with its old California licence plates, MOT certificate valid until January 2009 and historic class (free) road tax. PLEASE NOTE: The registration number on this vehicle is PUA364D and not PUA365D as stated in the catalogue.