Lot number	81
Hammer value	£5,000
Description	Mini Cooper
Registration	RVP 329G
Year	1968
Colour	White
Engine size	1,275 cc
Chassis No.	CA.25B1212313A

The innovative Mini made a huge impact on anyone who drove one. Redefining the term handling, the little 848cc-powered car from Austin and Morris just begged to be driven hard, craving more power to make the most of its brilliant chassis, suspension and steering.

Despite being completely embroiled in his hugely successful Grand Prix ventures, John Cooper spotted the need for a high performance version of the Mini and managed to persuade a sceptical Alec Issigonis and the Board of Directors to let him help in making a ‘hot’ one. With the help of Mr Swatman of SU, they increased the capacity, fitted twin carburettors and disc brakes and introduced the Mini Cooper. It was an overnight sensation.

Hotter ‘S’ versions were built to go racing, with homologation models leaving the works in sufficient numbers to ensure they could dominate on and off the race track. The top spec 1,275cc version developed 75bhp and was good for a whisker under the ton. It could run rings round its competitors – quite literally.

As time went on, the Cooper received a number of updates, the first major revamp taking place in 1967 with the introduction of the MkII. This had a larger rear window and a different grille amongst a raft of other changes, the 998cc engine producing 55bhp and giving the car a top speed of 90mph.

This particular car was first registered in October 1968 and began life as a standard Mini Cooper MkII with a 998cc engine but has since been re-shelled with a rust-free MkIII body and fitted with a high compression 1,275cc engine converted for unleaded fuel. Other modifications include uprated Cooper S 7.5-inch front disc brakes, 100mph speedo, a retrimmed interior and a MotaLita steering wheel. Cooper S 4.5-inch reverse rim wheels have also been fitted all round, shod with nearly new Advan tyres.

The suspension has just been fully gone through by a Mini specialist with all the geometry set up correctly for fast road use and new adjustable shock absorbers fitted all round. Said to drive superbly with an exhilarating turn of speed, it certainly performed with gusto when we were treated to a spirited test drive around the lanes of Worcestershire. MOTd until July 2015, it is ready to jump in and enjoy right away.