1969 MORRIS MINI COOPER S

This 1969 Morris Mini Cooper S is a fascinating Australian-market MkII example, which includes a number of unique features, and is presented in smart overall condition. Under the bonnet is the 1275cc four-cylinder engine, which is coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays 93,850 miles.

This Australian-market right-hand drive Cooper S was first registered in April 1969, and features a number of unique touches not seen on UK cars, including its Mk1-style front grille and tail lights, drop glass windows and smaller rear number plate panel.

During this Mini’s time in Australia, it was owned by the wife of a car restorer and Jaguar specialist, who fully refurbished the car in 1989, naming it ‘Boris’ once the work was completed. Later, the owner met a British airline pilot, and after divorcing her former husband the two moved back to the UK, transporting the car from its home in New South Wales in the hold of a Qantas cargo aircraft.

After falling into disuse, this charming classic was acquired by its next keeper in 2005, and has been owned by a number of other enthusiasts over the years, with the seller taking ownership around six years ago.

Today, this antipodean Mini’s bodywork is in good shape, and is not believed to have suffered from any prior accident damage, however small rust repairs have been carried out on the front sections of both sills, with new metal being welded in place and sealed to prevent any future corrosion. Having been previously resprayed to a reasonable standard, the Indigo Blue paintwork features some ‘orange peel’ blemishes across its surface, and the vendor notes that there are marks on both the doors and the boot lid, which may be a result of the finish being applied too thickly.

There are also some small chips to the paintwork just above the front grille and surface rust on the lower edge of the bonnet, as well as some chips on the exterior door hinges and screw holes in the rear panel where the car’s Australian registration plate was affixed. The car’s exterior trim is in fair condition, and while the door quarter light seals have perished, there are new items accompanying the car to replace them. This Cooper S rides on a correct set of 10-inch steel wheels, which are in good order, but do feature some minor blemishes.

In the cabin, this classic city car’s blue upholstery arguably makes the cabin a brighter and more inviting space than the black coverings that are more common. Overall, the interior presents well, with some slight discolouration on the seats and door cards, but no evidence of rips or other damage. The dashboard is also trimmed in matching blue, which has split above the gauge cluster; and an aftermarket steering wheel has been fitted, which is in great shape. Elsewhere, the interior features an attractive patina, suggestive of the car’s 51-year history.

This Mini’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out by the vendor in May 2019 at 93,332 miles, which included an engine oil and oil filter change, as well as replacement of the antifreeze and spark plugs, plus adjustment of the points. Prior to this, the seller performed an oil service in 2016.

While the car’s mechanical components are in good order, the seller notes that the rubber boots for the front suspension displacer units are split; however, they have sourced replacement items and aims to have them replaced when the car is sent for its next MOT test.

Although it is exempt due to its age, the car was put through an MOT test on 20 February 2021 at 93,859 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with only one advisory about a minor non-excessive oil leak from the engine. The front wheels are fitted with new Yokohama Advan A-008 tyres, and the vendor states that the rear tyres have around 75% of their original tread remaining.

This Mini Cooper S will be accompanied by its original stamped service book and a briefcase full of documents including past invoices, MOT certificates and photographs and paperwork documenting the car’s restoration during its time in Australia, as well as letters and faxes from its previous owner, who arranged its transport to the UK.

This Australian-market Morris Mini Cooper S MkII is a characterful classic with peppy performance, which features a number of touches not seen on UK examples, and is presented in good overall condition. Accompanied by extensive documentation of its history, this Cooper S has led a storied life, and is sure to enjoy many more years on the road with its next owner behind the wheel.

Please note: as this car is currently located on Orkney, the seller is very happy to arrange for transport from the island to Aberdeen, at the buyer’s expense. He also has good local contacts that can assist with onward transportation if required, so bidders are welcome to make enquiries in the comments below.

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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.