1967 Morris Mini Cooper S 1275

14th Jun, 2023 13:00
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/l...

Desirable final year, home-market, matching numbers example
Comprehensively restored with the renovation completed in 2013 with less than 1,300 miles covered since completion
Factory specified with twin fuel tanks and a heater
1 of 7,824 Morris Mini Mk1 1275 Cooper S examples manufactured
The chance meeting between John Cooper and Aurelio Lampredi at the 1959 Italian GP is now an established part of Mini folklore. Having charmed a very early 850cc model out of BMC and driven it to Monza, Cooper was accosted by Fiat engineer (and ex-Ferrari F1 designer) Lampredi. Infected by his old enemy's enthusiasm, the Italian asked to borrow the new wonder car. Returning several hours later, he heralded it as the future of automotive design before adding "if it weren't so ugly, I'd shoot myself". Unperturbed Cooper continued to harass Issigonis and BMC until they agreed to build a 'hot' version. Initially conceived as a homologation special, the Mini Cooper was launched in July 1961. Powered by an enlarged 997cc engine and benefiting from front disc brakes, it gave way to a succession of ever quicker variants culminating in the 1275 'S' of 1964. According to the 'The Complete Mini' by Chris Rees, a total of 19,307 Cooper S’s were produced with 7,824 of those being 1275 Morris examples.

Produced in the final year of the Mk1 Cooper S, the example offered was manufactured new in 1967 with a build date of the 8th of May that year. Supplied to the home market, ‘PAE 500F’ was registered new in Bristol and specified from the factory with a ‘fresh air heater’ and a second fuel tank. Finished in Island Blue paintwork with an Old English White roof, with a complementary Cumulus Grey and Gold Brocade trim, a colour combination in which it is pleasingly finished to this day. Chassis number 985641 was subject to a comprehensive restoration that was completed in 2013, with the original shell provided a full bodywork refurbishment and repainting in the original colour combination. Mechanically, the Cooper S was extensively renovated with the engine and running gear overhauled. The interior has been provided with a complete refresh comprising new reclining front seats (as were fitted to a number of examples), the desirable long dashboard switches, and seatbelts.

The Morris was acquired by the previous owner shortly after the conclusion of the restoration and was shown on the concours circuits by him, having success at a Garioch Vehicle Restoration Society event, winning first place in its Class and Best Car overall winning the Gordon Maitland Trophy, as well as a 2nd place at the Tayside Classic Car Show. Purchased by the vendor to enter his collection of Minis, Elfs, and Hornets in 2017 after searching for a 1967 Morris 1275 Cooper S due to the famous win in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1967 at the hands of Rauno Aaltonen. Boasting matching numbers, the Mini has been sensibly uprated with a stainless-steel exhaust system, K&N air filters, and rolling road tuning up to 84bhp, with the Morris covering under 1,300 miles from new since the restoration has been completed.

Offered for auction with a history file that includes a BMIHT Heritage Certificate, buff-style logbook, a CD of around 100 restoration images, a selection of previous MOTs and invoices, the concours award-winning certificate and rosette, and the current V5C document. Both starting readily, and running and driving well to our photography session, this numbers matching, low-mileage since restoration Cooper S will make a marvellous addition to any Mini aficionado’s collection, and is sure to bring a smile to the new owner's face whenever they get behind the wheel.