1966 AUSTIN COOPER 1275 'S' Registration Number: EOV 77D Ch...

Estimate

£23,000 - £27,000

1966 AUSTIN COOPER 1275 'S'

Registration Number: EOV 77D
Chassis Number: See description
Recorded Mileage: 75,550 miles

- In current ownership for approximately 50 years 
- 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.

Remarkably this Mini Cooper Mark 1 1275 ‘S’, a 1966 model with Hydrolastic suspension, has been in single ownership since around 1974. After enjoying the Cooper for daily transport over a few years, in the late 1970s our vendor placed the car into a lean-to garage awaiting restoration. The conditions over the years had not been kind to the Mini, unfortunately it deteriorated rapidly to the extent that by the time restoration was viable, the original shell was sadly beyond repair. A period-correct donor shell was acquired, and the restoration began in earnest. 

Between 1990 and 1991 the replacement shell was prepared and painted, and the car’s original mechanical and trim components transferred across. The engine and gearbox were rebuilt, new subframes stove enamelled and fitted, the vehicle retrimmed in original BMC specification materials, and numerous other parts purchased from Minispares of London as required.

Originally finished in Old English White with a black roof, EOV 77D is now presented in Tartan Red with a white roof, with Minilite wheels on each corner. Since restoration the Mini has been dry stored, before being recommissioned in 2002, and then again in 2023 prior to this sale. During restoration, the donor shell did however not come with a chassis plate, and sadly the original logbook has been lost some years ago, so potential buyers will need to carry out their own research before applying for a new V5C. As such the car will be sold on a bill of sale without a current registration document.

Offered with receipts for restoration and other work completed, photographs before and after its restoration, and an MoT certificate from 2002, this super Cooper offers the next enthusiast a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the icons of the 1960s' at an eminently sensible price.