1969 AUSTIN MINI COOPER S

KEY FACTS

• A well-known example of the classic British icon, which benefits from prior restoration and has been lightly modified for improved performance.
• Under the bonnet is the rebuilt four-cylinder engine, which has been enlarged from 1275 to 1310cc and is mated to a four-speed manual transmission.
• Acquired by its current owner (an automotive engineer) in 1983, this Cooper S is a familiar car among Mini enthusiasts, having been declared a runner-up in the Beaulieu Concours that year, and a winner in both 1998 and 1999. It has been registered with the Mini Cooper Register Mark II Registrar since 1986.
• The car has also been featured in a number of publications, including Classic & Sports Car and Mini World magazines, and has participated in several classic car rallies and club track days.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Retaining its original main shell and engine, this Mini also features its original Hydrolastic suspension system with added auxiliary front dampers, and is equipped with factory-fitted reclining seats and a heated rear screen.
• It rides on a set of 10x4.5 inch Minilite alloy wheels, which are in great shape.
• The engine has previously been rebuilt and tuned by Mini specialist Osborne Automotive Preparation. This included modification of the cylinder head and the fitment of twin SU HS4 Carburettors, along with an upgraded Piper camshaft and a lightweight flywheel, all reciprocating parts being lightened and balanced. As a result, it now produces an impressive 91bhp at the crankshaft.
• Inside, a Smiths tachometer has been fitted, in addition to a period-correct wood-rimmed ‘Formula’ steering wheel.
• The car will be accompanied by its original handbook, jack and wheel brace. The original brake servo, oil filter assembly, and oil and temperature gauges will also be included.

CONDITION

• Today, this Mini’s bodywork remains in excellent condition, having been fully restored between 1995 and 1997 by model specialist MiniMachine. Prior to this, the offside front wing, bonnet and front panel were damaged and replaced in 1986.
• Having been fully resprayed inside and out, the Tartan Red and Black paintwork presents well, with some minor stone chips around the car, which have been touched in.
• Inside, the cabin is in great shape. Original to the car, the black upholstery is in very good order, and the seats are firm and supportive, with the driver’s seat having had its internal foam and padding replaced in 2017. Furthermore, the headlining was replaced during the car’s restoration in 1996, and is very smart.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 18 August 2020 at 53,890 miles. This resulted in a first-time pass, with advisories for a minor oil leak, a loose nearside front upper arm boot, a nail in the nearside rear tyre and slight play in both of the nearside wheel bearings.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This Mini’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in August 2020 at 53,864 miles by its owner, with work including an oil and filter change, as well as replacement of the tie bar bushes and engine-steady bushes, while the suspension grease points were also lubricated.
• Prior to this, the engine oil was changed in July 2019, and the engine oil and oil filter were changed in August 2018, along with the cylinder head gasket and coolant.
• During the car’s restoration between 1995 and 1997, the current owner replaced or refurbished every bush, bearing, nut, and bolt on the car; and any minor issues were tended to immediately.

SUMMARY

Previously restored and doted on by its owner of 38 years, this much-loved Austin Mini Cooper S is a fine example of the breed, which has been used and enjoyed on both the road and the track. Benefitting from a number of carefully selected performance modifications and presented in excellent overall condition, this award-winning classic will make a wonderful addition to any collection.

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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.