1967 AUSTIN MINI COOPER

KEY FACTS

• A wonderfully detailed recreation of a rally-spec BMC Works Cooper S, which has been built to a particularly high standard, equipped with a number of desirable performance parts.
• Under the bonnet is a later ‘A-Plus’ inline-four engine, which has been bored out to 1380cc and sends a dyno-proven 101bhp to the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
• First registered in February 1967, this Mini started life as a 998cc Cooper model, and is believed to have been rallied in France some years later.
• Between 2015 and 2020 it was extensively upgraded and transformed into a recreation of the Cooper S entered into the 1967 Tulip Rally by the BMC works team, which was driven by H. Andersen of Denmark.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This Mk1 Cooper is finished in the classic colour combination of Tartan Red with an Old English White roof, and features matching painted number squares on its doors.
• Additional period-correct touches include the car’s wheel arch extensions, its additional fog lights and driving lights, a robust sump guard and Works-style front rubber splash guards.
• It rides on a set of 10-inch Minilite-style alloy wheels, which are in great shape.
• Inside, the cabin is trimmed in red and gold brocade grey vinyl, and a red cloth-covered Racetech bucket seat has been fitted for the driver.
• Further motorsport-inspired touches include side-sliding windows, a bolt-in roll cage, period-correct Smiths stopwatches and an array of functional toggle switches.
• The car’s original 998cc A-Series engine has been replaced with a later ‘A-Plus’ unit, which has been bored out to 1380cc and enhanced with a number of high-performance components, including an uprated Calver cylinder head allowing the use of modern unleaded fuel, an AC Dodd RS camshaft, 1.3:1 roller tip rockers and an SU HIF28 carburettor.
• The gearbox has been custom-built, and now features an ‘A-Plus’ gear set and a centre oil pick-up pipe, while the flywheel has been changed for a lightweight item and an Austin Metro Turbo clutch has been fitted to accommodate the engine’s increased power output.
• The car’s handling has also been enhanced via a number of aftermarket suspension components, including a braced a lightened four-bolt front subframe, GAZ shock absorbers, adjustable lower arms, KAD adjustable camber brackets and ST bushes, to name only a few items.
• Finally, stopping power is provided by KAD four-pot brake callipers and 7.75-inch vented brake discs at the front, and Superfin alloy brake drums at the rear, with a Lockheed 5.5 S servo, Cooper S master cylinder, Aeroquip brake hoses and a Titan brake proportioning valve added for good measure.
• The car will be accompanied by a substantial service file and documentation of its rebuild and modifications.

CONDITION

• While it is believed that the car has previously been rallied, there is no known bodywork damage.
• Having been fully resprayed, the paintwork is in excellent condition, with only a few very minor stone chips and light scratches around the vehicle, in line with its use.
• Inside, the cabin presents very well indeed, though the red fabric covering the driver’s seat is torn in several places, and would benefit from being repaired or replaced.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults with the vehicle.
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 10 November 2020 at 65,053 miles, resulting in a clean, first-time pass.

SUMMARY

This 1967 Austin Mini Cooper is a charming and impressively well-finished tribute to a BMC Works Cooper S entered into the 1967 Tulip Rally. Boasting an array of period-correct touches and presented in excellent overall condition, this highly modified British classic would make a superb addition to any collection of rally vehicles, and should also prove to be a truly exciting fast road car.

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