1963 AUSTIN MINI COOPER

This genuine and totally restored Austin Mini Cooper to Cooper S specification represents a rare chance to be able to step back in time. Presented in pristine condition, it features a fully rebuilt 1275cc Cooper S engine and a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 334 miles, which is understood to be the running-in mileage since the restoration.

Purchased as a partly disassembled project just three years ago, without a registration number or V5C document; the previous owner was able to confirm that the car left the factory as a genuine right-hand drive Austin Mini Cooper, and was originally based in London. By liaising with the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, the current vendor was subsequently able to ascertain the authenticity of the Mini and procure a heritage certificate confirming this.

The certificate shows that the vehicle was completed on 10 September 1963 before being dispatched to dealer Car Mart Ltd in London. Unable to have the DVLA re-register the car on its original plate, the owner nonetheless secured a correct 1963-style mark of ‘ATL 494A’. The car is therefore recorded as being first registered in the UK in 2018, despite the fact that the heritage certificate confirms otherwise. The DVLA record also suggests it may have spent time overseas at some point, though if correct this may have been to the likes of Ireland or the Channel Islands.

Since purchasing the vehicle as a project needing absolutely everything, the owner committed to a full nut-and-bolt restoration. Around £9,000 was spent on refurbishing the body and giving it a full repaint in red with a contrasting black roof. The respray was completed by OSC Chessington, and resulted in a pristine finish.

The interior has been completely reupholstered by Newton Commercial in the correct style Tartan Red and Gold Brocade Grey trim, and presents in outstanding condition. The owner notes some minor marks on the fresh air heater and windows, but in general the Mini appears to be as good as new – and arguably even better. All features have been completed to an original specification, and are in excellent condition with no faults noted by the vendor.

The rest of the extensive restoration work has been completed by Mr Clinton Poley, who the seller states has 40 years of experience rebuilding Minis. The full restoration and minor upgrade to Cooper S specification took a total of nine months and cost some £42,000, with all receipts and documented restoration images accompanying the car. The work included a full engine rebuild, and the first service on this motor was in September 2019 when the engine oil was changed.

Accompanying the car to attest to its original status as an Austin Mini Cooper, the heritage certificate also confirms its early dealer information. The seller also notes that the Mini Cooper Register inspected the car prior to him acquiring the current V5C, and that it again was certified as a genuine Cooper.

Compact, stylish and fun to drive, Minis from this period are well loved for being agile and responsive with simple mechanicals and no-frills interiors. This particular car arguably represents the closest thing to buying a brand new 1960s Mini Cooper S today, and will undoubtedly deliver many miles of driving pleasure to its next owner, whether they are simply a general enthusiast or a dedicated Mini aficionado.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Car Overview

  • 334 miles (since restoration)
  • manual
  • RHD
  • Red
  • Red / Grey
  • 1,275 cc


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01287
  • private Sale
  • London, United Kingdom

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