1966 MORRIS COOPER 1275 'S' Registration Number: PUB 536D C...

Hammer

£23,000

1966 MORRIS COOPER 1275 'S'

Registration Number: PUB 536D
Chassis Number: 1408
Recorded Mileage: TBA

- First delivered to New Zealand
- Matching engine and chassis
- Subject to previous comprehensive restoration

Designed by Alex Issigonis in 1959, a new concept in car design was born. With a monocoque shell, transversely mounted engine and front wheel drive, the new 'Mini', soon became popular across a broad spectrum of the population. The potential for competition use was soon seen by John Cooper; BMC were finally persuaded by John Cooper and the two worked together in culminating the birth of the Austin Mini Cooper and the Morris Mini Cooper in 1961. Victories in the 1964, 1965 and 1967 Monte-Carlo Rallies set the Mini on the road to fame but probably the greatest publicity was gained from their, somewhat unfair, disqualification for lighting irregularities in the 1966 event after coming in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the 'S', was developed in tandem and released in 1963. Approximately 2,500 Mk. II Cooper S were built making it one of the rarest versions of this very collectible motor car.

First registered in 1966, this lovely Mini Cooper S was built under licence from BMC for the Australian market. As per standard production methods, the body and suspension were assembled in Australia, with a Cooper S 1275cc engine and gearbox shipped from the UK for completion. This Cooper S was specified with wind-up windows, twin fuel tanks, unique trim items and hydrolastic suspension. 

Delivered new to New Zealand and first registered on 1st January 1966, we understand this early example covered around 100,000 miles over a 35 year period. By the turn of the millennium a restoration was due, and so in 2001 the Mini’s paint was stripped, repaired as required, repainted and reassembled. The engine and other mechanicals were stripped and rebuilt to factory specifications. According to the Australian Cooper S register, the engine and body numbers are matching.

After completion the Cooper was on the move to join a collection in the U.S. where it remained for a number of years, prior to being sold to a Canadian gentleman who had a passion for British cars. The Mini was used sparingly in Canada, mainly for car meets in the summer months. On the move once more, the Mini was acquired by a local British enthusiast who imported the car into the UK, attended to a number of minor detail items, fitted a rev. counter and retrimmed the dash covering. Tuned on a rolling road not long ago, and supplied with a V5C registration document, history folder and jack, this well travelled Cooper S looks lovely and we are sure will prove to be hugely enjoyable to own and drive.