Big Personality In A Small Package

This 1967 Mini Cooper S Mark I is one of the factory approved versions with the larger, more powerful 1275cc motor, like the one that won the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally. The motor has been rebuilt and slightly modified for more performance including larger carburetors. Outside, the body has received a gold repaint; inside, the interior has been modified in a "track-day" style and the car sits proudly on a set of Minilite wheels. This is the last year that the MKI S Model was produced, and the most desirable.

This Car’s Past

An original Left Hand Drive Cooper S, this classic little British sports car left the factory in white with black interior. A major collector in California purchased it more than 20 years ago and it is thought to have been a long-term California car, which he also enjoyed driving there for several years. It was later moved to his East Coast residence, where it joined his static collection. Purchased in 2013 as he was thinning out his collection, it made it’s way to a Bonhams auction in 2014, but was in what Sports Car Digest described as tired condition. The current owner purchased it and refurbished the paint and sorted the mechanics.

History of the Model

Sir Alec Issigonis originally designed the Mini, during his tenure with Morris Motors Limited. John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula One and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini in the role of a performance car, but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper. The Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper debuted in 1961. A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the "S", was developed in tandem and released in 1963. Featuring a 1071 cc engine with a 70.61 mm bore and nitride steel crankshaft and strengthened bottom end to allow further tuning; and larger servo-assisted disc brakes, 4,030 Cooper S cars were produced and sold until the model was updated in August 1964. Cooper also produced two S models specifically for circuit racing in the under 1,000 cc and under 1,300 cc classes respectively, rated at 970 cc (59 cu in) and a 1,275 cc (77.8 cu in), both had a 70.61 mm (2.780 in) bore and both were also offered to the public. The smaller-engine model was not well received, and only 963 had been built when the model was discontinued in 1965. The 1,275 cc Cooper S models continued in production until 1971.

Preservation History

This cool British racer has been looked after and maintained, but never taken completely apart and restored. It’s had clever modifications, engine work, interior work, and one complete repaint and most recently, one sympathetic paint “touch up”. There were areas of concern when purchased in 2014 and the current owner/collector gave the car to a painter who had completed jobs on several of his much more expensive cars. The paint match was perfect and the car was freshened to the fine example you see today. Since purchase, the current owner has also had the engine overhauled and fitted this Cooper S with new tires.

Market Trend

Austin Coopers and Mini Coopers appeal to such a wide array of people; they’ll always be a solid investment. An entry-level car that almost anyone can afford. Historically, the Cooper S’s have sold in the low thousands to the mid twenties. The last public sale of an Austin Cooper S was in March on Ebay for $19,211, while in February; a regular 67 Cooper reached $21,100 on Ebay.

Summary

A perfect car for the serious collector, casual enthusiast or weekend warrior. It's not easy to find a quality LHD Austin Cooper S and at no reserve, this little gem could turn out to be one of the bargains of the auction.