Chassis Number: KA2S4639736
Engine Number: 9FDSAH2370
Number of cylinders: 4
CC: 998
Year of Manufacture: 1964
Estimate (£): 17,000 - 20,000
Father of the Mini, Alec Issigonis was firmly against the idea of a performance version of his new baby, despite several long evenings of animated discussion with his good friend, F1 guru, John Cooper in the Royal Oak. However, after JC appealed to BMC Management, Issigonis' concerns were disregarded and the two good friends eventually cooperated in creating what rapidly became and still remains a legendary little motor car. The first cars used a 997cc twin-carb A-series, changed for a short-stroke 998cc unit from 1964. Front disc brakes were standard and Mini-Coopers stood out thanks to their two-tone paint schemes and special grilles. Speeds of around 90mph may not have been all-out fast, but the Cooper's handling brilliance turned it into a potent race and rally tool.
The car offered here is a 1964 Morris Mini Cooper 998cc, manufactured for the UK home market on the 13th October 1964 and dispatched on the 5th November 1964 to Parkside Garages Ltd. in Coventry. This very original example still wears its Coventry number plate, whilst retaining its original chassis and drive-train (supported by inspection, corresponding paperwork and a BMIHT Certificate).
It was discovered by a previous owner back in 1979, during a business trip to a farm in Kent. Purchased on the spot to prevent the farmer's sons 'rallying' it around the fields, it soon became apparent that it was in very sound order. Over the ensuing years, the owner stripped it right down, replacing the Hydrolastic suspension with Alex Moulton's dry rubber system which was re-introduced to the Mini a few years after this one was made. Painted Red and White when purchased, the car was repainted in its original combination of Tweed Grey and Old English White, and remains in standard specification, including the original interior, with the exception of wider vented wheels and a sports steering wheel.
In the history file, there is a Heritage Certificate, some MoT certificates confirming the indicated mileage, as well as a selection of DVLA paperwork and a number of invoices for recent work. There are also some entry forms (and the odd trophy) for the many Classic Car Shows in which this cracking little Mini Cooper has shone. Some recent work carried out includes refurbishment of the original wheels, new brakes, a new battery, new chrome trims, a full service and a fresh MoT. The vendor informs us the car is in excellent mechanical condition and drives superbly.
Those of us old enough to remember these cars when they were first introduced, will recall how achingly desirable they seemed at the time, and even now our children see them as being archetypically cool 'Sixties'. Red with a Black roof and Green with a White roof were the most common choices, however, Justin de Villeneuve and Twiggy had a Tweed Grey car with a White roof, which says it all really.
This 1964, 998cc Mini Cooper is in excellent all round condition and is as much fun to drive now as it was in period. Have a look at this super little car and let yourself be captivated by its charm and honesty. It might be like getting together with an old friend from 1964 and finding them just as you remember them.
Chassis Number: CA2SB-12391
Engine Number: 9FD-XE-H-1897
Number of cylinders: 4
CC: 998cc
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Estimate (£): 18,000 - 22,000
Alec Issigonis' friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula 1 and Sports Cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini as a performance car, but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper, and the Austin and Morris Mini Coopers debuted simultaneously in 1961. Some six years later, the Cooper MkIIs appeared and were more refined without diluting the out and out fun of these amazing little cars.The overall production figures of the Mk II were only just behind the earlier cars.
Offered here is a beautifully restored Austin Mini Cooper MkII finished in the classic combination of Tartan Red with a Black roof and interior trim. The registration document reveals that it has had only three previous owners and still carries its original Reading registration number. The recent restoration appears to have been very comprehensive with regard to the body shell and all mechanical components and both the engine and gearbox have been rebuilt. The original chassis plate is present in the history file and its original 998cc engine is still in situ.
Launched in 1967, the Mk II Coopers are regarded by many, in hindsight, as the most attractive of the Mini Cooper evolution with the squared rear lights, larger rear window, and new grille, but still retaining the sliding windows and one or two early features so characteristic of the original Mini. The look is further enhanced with the slightly wider vented steel rims.
In possession of a new MoT and ready to be enjoyed, this iconic little car is a must for any Mini Cooper enthusiast or collector
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