1971 Morris Mini Cooper S Mark II Saloon

Описание: Donington Auctions are proud to offer this very special Mini, one of the last Coopers left in Australia still in the hands of their original owner. If that wasn’t special enough, the original book confirms the Mini has spent every one of the past 54 years garaged at the same address in Sydney.



Having already owned an earlier Mini, our vendors decided to upgrade to the latest 1275cc Cooper S in 1971. With local Mini production given over to the unlovely Clubman-style square nose by this stage, Cooper S supplies were drying up and their local dealers Lancaster Motors of Chatswood only had a few remaining but none in the vendor’s preferred British Racing Green colour. Following a brief search a suitable car was located by the dealer and first registered on April 29, 1971 with plates BCQ-146 (which remain on hold with Service NSW).



Cherished by the enthusiast owners, who have been long-term members of several car clubs, the Mini was driven regularly and continuously registered. Other family cars came and went but the Mini Cooper remained the firm favourite. The engine and gearbox were removed and both completely rebuilt back in 1998; having never been driven hard, the motor was in great shape and only required new rings.



Around fifteen years ago the decision was made to treat the car to a full cosmetic restoration, the results of which speak for themselves. After being stripped back to bare metal, the only significant rust identified in the panels between the front guards and doors was repaired and the car professionally repainted in the original colours using baked enamel, including the roof, as originally delivered. Every part was either replaced or refurbished, including all new body rubbers and seals, door hinges and handles and mouldings. The decision was made not to repaint the engine bay and it remains very much as delivered, right down to the correct wiper motor and all important factory radiator shroud where the numbers are located.



A set of wider Cheviot ‘jellybean’ mag wheels were fitted, along with a chrome nudge bar and a Momo steering wheel. The only other modifications noted are the installation of a later radio/cassette player, car alarm, electronic ignition and an Ultra Electronic tachometer.



Showing just under 45,000 miles at the time of cataloguing (having been around the clock once), the Mini has been carefully garaged and fastidiously maintained since the restoration and presents in excellent condition today. The duco has only a couple of minor imperfections evident around the nose, while the chrome, rubbers and other trim are all in very good condition. The white interior shows very little evidence of use, as do the carpets, switchgear and door trims. The panel fit is remarkably good and the doors close nicely. This little gem of a car starts easily from cold, idles smoothly and drives as one would expect.



One of the finest Mini Coopers S to come to market in years, the car is currently registered on non-transferable historic plates in NSW and will therefore be sold unregistered. A photo album documenting the restoration and a folder of receipts will be supplied to the successful bidder, along with the original books and tool kit, steel wheels and hubcaps, a set of dress rims, the original steering wheel, set of seat belts and side window glass.