Sunday drive perfection

A beautifully presented 1966 Morris Mini Cooper S Mk1, restored to exceptional detail and owned by a BMC mechanic for numerous years.

Originally named the Mk1 Cooper S-Type, the Cooper S was launched in 1964 as a higher performance version of the standard Cooper. A 1071cc version of the BMC A series engine was initially offered, producing a further 15 bhp than the standard Cooper 998cc engine. In February and June 1964, a 1275cc and a 970cc were added to the engine range respectively. This was to enable the Cooper S take part in the under 1300cc and under 1000cc categories in motorsport.

The Mini Cooper S rose to fame with a fiercely contested win at the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally, piloted by the pairing of Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hopkirk and his co-driver, Henry Liddon. The Cooper S dominated the rally in the years that followed, securing first place at the 1965 and 1967 editions with ‘Flying Finns’ Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen at the wheel. The classic Mini shape is now perhaps remembered most for its iconic stunt-heavy feature in the 1969 comedy ‘The Italian Job’.

First registered on 15th March 1966, this Cooper S promises endless driving fun from its original 1275cc engine and lightened flywheel. It is also equipped with a Maniflow three-branch manifold, an RC40 silencer exhaust, twin fuel tanks and its original Cooper S gearbox (standard close ratio four-synchromesh transmission type). The car has been maintained regardless of cost under the current ownership. 

It rides on extremely rare magnesium Minilite wheels, once used by a racing ‘S’ at Crystal Palace, accompanied by standard 7.5-inch front brake discs and calipers with Super Minifins at the rear. An Adjusta-ride suspension kit was installed during the restoration for refined precision, along with Koni shock absorbers.

The exterior is painted in Tartan Red with a black roof. The car’s smart colour scheme is enhanced by its black Group 2 wheel arches with original BMC rear mud flaps. Other exterior features include a rear foglamp, tan leather bonnet strap, front spotlights and wire headlamp covers. The interior boasts period high-back front recliner and rear seats in red and grey brocade trim, an engaging Moto-Lita wood rim steering wheel and a factory fitted fresh air heater.

This Mini also comes with an official BMIHT Heritage Certificate confirming the chassis number and engine number. The milometer reads 92,000 miles and the car has won various trophies over the years.