Historics Auctioneers
Lot 200
1966 Morris Mini Cooper Mk. I (Fast Road Specification) Transmission: manualMileage:5258The history of this revolutionary motorcar is well known, its impact socially, culturally and mechanically is well documented. The Swinging Sixties, free love, The Beatles, Twiggy and the Mini are inexorably combined to represent an era that is remembered with great fondness by many people. The side story is the Mini's impact on motorsport and this is no less extraordinary. Issigonis' friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula One and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. The original 848cc engine was given a longer stroke to increase capacity to 997cc, boosting power from 34bhp to 55bhp. The car featured a racing-tuned engine, twin SU carburettors, a closer-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, uncommon at the time in a small car. A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the 'S', was then developed in tandem and released in 1963, featuring a 1071cc engine. The Mini Cooper S earned acclaim with Monte Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Minis were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a badly judged decision by the French judges. Huge demand was also generated on the club scene and, quite rightly, continues today.First registered on 22nd August, 1966, this Mini Cooper is finished in tartan red with a contrasting black roof and black interior with a full size Webasto sunroof. In 1998, Wood & Pickett restored this car and it was featured in Mini World magazine. The shell has been replaced and a 1275 Cooper S engine has been bored out to 1,380cc by Osborne Automotive Preparation (OAP) with a balanced crankshaft, Kent 266 camshaft, adjustable timing gear, stage 3 gas-flowed, ported big valve head, twin 1½ SU's with K&N filters and AAA needles, Cooper S oil cooler and a two core radiator to name just a few upgrades. Getting the power to the road comes via a heavy duty competition clutch and four speed all-synchro Cooper S quick shift gearbox. Reigning in the power are servo assisted 7½ discs with dual calipers. Suspension is provided by Spax adjustable dampers sitting on 10 Minilites.The interior is kitted out with Paddy Hopkirk high back recliners and a Hopkirk rev counter. A Mk. III 130mph speedometer is showing circa 5,258 miles since the 1998 rebuild and supporting MoT test certificates verify this. Reported to be in very good order throughout in all respects, this pocket rocket Mk. I Cooper is certainly a fast road spec example and is supplied with a Heritage Certificate previous MoT records and sundry bills. This example offered at a very attractive estimate will certainly put a smile on the face of its new owner.
