Mini Cooper MkI

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Alec Issigonis’ iconic Mini was launched in 1959 and was to have a profound effect on the future design of the car. Brilliant packaging of engine and gearbox allowed 80% of the vehicle’s footprint to be used for passengers and luggage.

 It soon became apparent that the Mini was also huge fun to drive, and its go-kart like handling was very effective in competition. John Cooper, a friend of Issigonis, persuaded him to allow development of a competition version, and the Mini Cooper made its debut in 1961 with a 997cc long stroke engine. This was supplanted in 1964 with the 998cc unit. The standard output of 34bhp increased to 55bhp, and the twin SUs and close ratio gearbox made for a very successful formula. A shorter stroke higher power 'S' version was added, primarily for circuit racing.

The Mini Cooper dominated in the Sixties, with Monte Carlo Rally wins from 1964-1967. Having won in 1966, they were infamously disqualified because of an irregularity in the lighting system. However the ensuing rumpus produced more positive publicity than the company could have hoped for and the moral victory was theirs.

This very original 1964 Cooper was discovered by the vendor back in 1979 during a sales trip to a farm in Kent. Purchased on the spot to prevent the farmer’s sons trashing it around the fields, it soon became apparent that it was in very sound order.

Over the ensuing years the vendor has stripped it right down, replacing the hydrolastic suspension with Alex Moulton’s dry rubber system which was re-introduced to the Mini a few years after this one was made. Painted red and white when purchased, the car was repainted in its original grey, and remains in standard specification, including the original interior, with the exception of wider vented wheels and a sports steering wheel.

Unused since 1999, the car has a current V5C, old style log book, very sound bodywork and runs and drives well. We are advised that it will require an MOT, a good tune up and a degree of light recommissioning before being put back into use. Given the way early Mini prices have soared in recent times, it looks good value at the suggested guide price.