"To many, its designer Alec Issigonis included, the notion that the Mini might have a future as anything other than basic transport was an anathema, and the idea of a high-performance version was laughable. One man though, saw it quite differently. Racing car manufacturer John Cooper already knew quite a bit about tuning BMC's A-Series engine - he was running the company's Formula Junior effort at the time - and a test drive in a prototype Mini convinced him of the car's competition potential. The result, launched in September 1961, was the Mini Cooper, a car that offered a size/price/performance package that was nothing short of miraculous. The Mini Cooper soon established its credentials as a rally and race winner, and the stage was set for even faster versions.
This stunning example was registered in August 1964. This enthusiast owned, iconic Mini features its original gearbox, engine and bodyshell and has benefitted from a full restoration which was completed in 2019 and now presents extremely well in Almond Green paintwork and a contrasting white roof which is complemented by seats trimmed in green and grey. The file for this impressive car contains a photographic history of the restoration, receipts for new parts, previous MoT certificates and a heritage certificate. Offered to auction with a V5 registration document this authentic Mini is well estimated given the continuing popularity of the model.
 
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