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| All photos: Historics@Brooklands |
1999 Rover Mini Cooper Sportspack
Registration T90 BHP
Chassis Number SAXXNNAZEXD1781885
Engine Number 12A2LK70 381693
Odometer reading 28,752 miles
Estimate £11,000 - £14,000
Result Sold - £12,600
The Mini was manufactured by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 until 2000. The original is considered a British icon of the 1960's and its space-saving front-wheel drive layout allowing 80% of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage, influenced a generation of car makers. In 1999, the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century behind the Ford Model T. Initially, Minis were marketed under the Austin and Morris names until Mini became a marque in its own right in 1969. The Mini was again marketed under the Austin name in the 1980's and was offered in a number of limited editions that usually included a special combination of trim and badging.
This Mini Cooper was originally registered on 28th July, 1999 and has only covered 28,752 miles from new. However the first owner won a competition for the car to be sent to John Cooper Works in West Sussex for the car to be upgraded to a 90bhp example and included changing the cylinder head which is now stamped and numbered by John Cooper Works. This low mileage example is in exceptional condition and has clearly been lovingly cherished by the previous keeper; the current vendor has recently fitted new brakes, new shock absorbers, new exhaust and four new Yokohama tyres. The British Racing Green paintwork is virtually unmarked as is the cream leather interior. The car is supplied with a V5C registration document, a full years MoT test certificate, the original service books with eight service stamps recorded together with the confirmation of the work carried out by John Cooper Works and an article from MiniWorld magazine featuring T90 BHP. Classic shape, limited edition, Mini's are becoming increasingly desirable, examples such as this, with an interesting history, will attract shrewd investors.
1999 Rover Mini 40th Anniversary Edition
Registration T40 JEB
Chassis Number SAXXNWAZEXD173839
Engine Number 12A2LK70 385075
Odometer reading 21,130 miles
Estimate £11,000 - £14,000
Result Sold - £12,040
Produced in limited numbers, the Mini 40 is based on the Cooper S and is fitted with a 1275cc fuel injected engine. Chrome bumpers, grille and door handles together with an aluminium engine turned dashboard are all standard equipment.
Finished in Mulberry Red with matching leather interior and contrasting seat piping, this delightful Mini 40 has covered only 21,130 miles since new and comes with all of the original equipment including a service book with 18 stamps, every MoT test certificates and invoices that have been carried out on the car and the commemorative case, still in its cardboard box. The condition of this Mini is certainly commensurate with such a low mileage and clearly, this car has been lovingly looked after by the two registered keepers. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until 24th August 2017, this 40th Anniversary Mini is exceptional and is sure to attract the attention of shrewd investors.
1969 Morris Mini Traveller 'Woody'
Registration WPE979G
Chassis Number MAW61256221A
Engine Number 99H-143-H6039
Odometer reading 68,030 miles
Estimate £9,000 - £14,000
Result Sold - £14,560
The first Morris Mini Traveller was built on 29th March 1960 but not despatched until 27th July 1960 to Welder Ltd. Unlike Morris Mini saloons, which came out of the Cowley plant, all Travellers were built at Longbridge. The first cars were available in the same paint colours as the Mini Saloons of the time. The interior also matched that of the saloon with a white speedometer housed in a single round cowling and two-tone seats. Costing £623, the estates were available only in a De Luxe trim level which included a recirculating heater, bumper overriders, silver insert round the screen and chrome sill edging, filler cap and wheel trims. Two wing mirrors were fitted as standard, since this was a legal requirement at the time for estate cars, but a rear view mirror was an optional extra, as were seatbelts!
The rear floor pressing of the early estates resembled that of an extended saloon with the battery being retained in its traditional Mini location in the boot. One of the most interesting things about the very early Traveller and Countryman cars was the internal fuel tank. It was positioned on the lefthand side in the rear of the car and was trimmed to match the boot. These so-called internal tank cars are easily recognisable by the filler cap being just underneath the rear window on the lefthand side of the car. Production of the internal tank cars was so limited that these have become the most sought after of all Mini estates.
This 'Woody' has had single family ownership from new and in 2014 was subject to a full body restoration by renowned Mini specialists, Super Mini Ltd. of Weybridge, which included powder coating the sub frames. It is important to note that this example has all its original wood and is one of only 17 automatic examples thought to be left in existence. Offered in splendid deep red with matching interior, this example has recently been on display with a modern Mini dealership in Guildford and is including an MoT test certificate until January 2018. Offered in pristine condition, this rare car 1000cc Traveller is a treat for all Mini enthusiasts.
1965 Morris Mini Cooper S (970cc)
Registration CBK 99C
Chassis Number KA254550919
Engine Number 9F-5A-X/29883
Odometer reading 29,281 miles
Estimate £50,000 - £58,000
Result Sold - £56,000
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', as it was commonly known, soon became popular across a broad spectrum of the population. The potential for competition use was soon seen by John Cooper and although Alex Issigonis was less keen, 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. Featuring a 1071cc engine 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 970cc and a 1,275cc. 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.
This Morris Mini Cooper S has been restored by the vendor to a superb standard. Leaving no stone unturned, the engine was removed and stripped down along with the gearbox while the bodywork was being attended to. In addition to this the suspension, brakes and steering were all rebuilt or replaced as necessary. The quality of paintwork is excellent and clearly many hours were spent on preparing the bodywork correctly by the exceedingly fastidious vendor. The mileage of 29,281 appears genuine although not warranted and the interior of this delightful Mini is completely original apart from the steering wheel. Without doubt Morris Mini Coopers are exceedingly rare, as is a restoration project of this quality. With an engine that runs like a sewing machine and a gearbox that is almost perfect in operation this Cooper S has performance and styling in abundance. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate, this Mini has the original 970cc engine AEG 151 block and 12G 190 gearbox, one of the best Mini Coopers S's we have seen.
1965 Austin Mini Cooper Mk.1
Registration JGU 415C
Chassis Number CA2S7L715172
Engine Number 9FD-SA-H7792
Odometer reading 44,850 km
Estimate £14,000 - £19,000
Result Not Sold
First registered 12th August 1965 this original Mk.1 Austin Mini Cooper is in lovely condition throughout and remarkably original. Recently when taken for an MOT, the mechanic indeed complimented the car on its originality, good body and mechanicals, a credit to the previous ownership.
In 2016 this Mk.1 car was subject to an engine rebuild and suspension upgrade to dry suspension, this included correct Hi / Lo kit and a servo was added to improve braking. Invoices totalled £3,700 which can be found in the history file. Other recent maintenance included a new central exit exhaust system and rebuilt brake callipers including new pads and new front wheel bearings attached to the Cooper S reverse rim wheels. Offered with an MoT test certificate until November 2017 and fully serviced with overhauled carburettors, new spark plugs and HT leads, this plucky Cooper is a loved and increasingly rare car that is a sound investment as well as a fun, useable classic.
1964 Austin Mini Cooper S Mk. I
Registration CLU 205B
Chassis Number CA257551844
Engine Number 9F-SA-Y/31602
Odometer reading 925
Estimate £37,000 - £46,000
Result Sold - £33,600
Introduced in February 1964, the 1275 Mini Cooper S, with its torquey engine, has long been seen as the ultimate 'S' and is currently still the most sought after version for most buyers and owners. Visually the same as the 1071cc 'S', the 1275cc was fitted with hydrolastic suspension along with the rest of the Mini range in late 1964. From early 1966, the extra fuel tank and oil cooler became standard items. The 1275cc 'S' then remained in production pretty much unchanged until September 1967 when the Mk. II version was launched.
Originally delivered on 19th July 1964, this Mk. I version was purchased by the previous owner in the late 90's in need of restoration. This owner had the car until the spring of 2005 when, begrudgingly, he sold it to its current owner, a Mini racer and enthusiast, as an ongoing restoration project. Over the next eight years, a full nut and bolt restoration took place. The shell was stripped and re-painted in the original Old English White by classic specialists; photos in various stages of the process can be found in the history file showing both the condition of the original shell and the extent of the workmanship. Engine, gearbox, drive train and suspension have all been rebuilt, overhauling the original components where possible.
It now represents a stunning example; many have been raced and rallied but this is as near to original as possible and has seen no such action. Since finishing the restoration, the vendor has only used the Mini for some 925 miles. Fully serviced and completed with an MoT test certificate until August 2017, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and an original green buff logbook, we are informed this Mini drives particularly well; having been involved with Mini's since the 70's our vendor should be a good judge.
With correct Cooper S's increasingly hard to find in such standard specification and with this example in this condition, it is a rare find. As collectable as their period Ferrari cousins, the Cooper S is a 'must have' in any serious collection.
2001 Rover Mini Cooper Sport 500
Registration X500 COO
Chassis Number SAXXNPAZEID188178
Engine Number 12A2LK70383837
Odometer reading 274 miles
Estimate £24,000 - £30,000
Result Not Sold
To celebrate the final chapter of the classic shaped Mini that began life in 1959, a limited edition of 500 cars were produced and named the Rover Mini Cooper Sport 500. The classic Mini shape was retained but had the additional benefits of more modern mechanics and trim details. The best quality hides were used within the interior; the alloy dashboard, window winders and door handles were all a tribute to John Cooper. All of these last 500 cars were finished with Platinum silver roofs and stripes; every new owner also received a special gift with the purchase of the car. The most important item, however, is the certificate stating the car is a genuine Cooper Sport 500 which also bears the chassis number and the signatures of John Cooper and Kevin Howe, the chief executive of the MG Rover Group.
There is little doubt that the once-humble Mini has developed into something of a collector's item, especially the more specialist and limited edition versions. After the success sale of the Wood & Pickett collection last year and previous Cooper Sport 500s, it is unsurprising that we have been asked to present, what is arguably, the finest and most collectible example of all. With just 500 examples built and #1 recorded as written off, this makes 188178 the earliest Cooper Sport 500 in existence. The first owner was Rover itself, forming part of its fleet stock and registered to an employee in Birmingham, just around the corner from its birthplace at Longbridge. The second and current owner has kept this near-perfect example in a heated garage amongst his other treasures. Upon inspection, the writer could find no fault with the exterior paintwork or interior finish. The paperwork is up to date, complete with certificate of authenticity and there is even the original dealership advertising document and cherished number plate, 'X500 COO'. It currently holds an MoT test certificate valid until September 2017 and the original gift pack. An opportunity to acquire one of the last proper Minis is unusual, but the earliest, best and most unused, is priceless.
The next Historics Auction is at Ascot Racecourse in May. http://www.historics.co.uk/
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