Mini Cooper S Recreation

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Now that genuine Cooper S models have climbed beyond the £20,000 mark, the difference between a matching numbers example and a nicely restored car with the right mods makes the latter look like an increasingly sensible option.

This 1968 Mk2 Mini was given a thorough restoration back in the early ‘80s when barely 15 years old. Its renovation included many nice Cooper S parts including twin tanks, drive shafts, UJs, 7 ½” discs, S master cylinder, speedometer and door trims.

The mechanical specification includes a 1300GT engine with 11-stud head, a Maniflow long centre branch exhaust which is mated to a Mini-Sport big bore exhaust system and twin 1 ¼” SU carburettors.

The dry rubber suspension was rebuilt onto new subframes while the brakes were replaced with new pads, shoes and calipers. The car now sits on Cooper reverse rim wheels. The interior was retrimmed in matching red/grey leather which finishes the car off very nicely.

MOTd until December 2014, it has covered just 8,500 miles since completion with 13 old MOTs on file supporting this. This well prepared, straight and exciting Mini looks like good value at a mere fraction of the cost of one that happens to have the right combination of numbers on the plaque under the bonnet.