Estimated Price: £34,000 - £38,000 Built on 15th August 1966 and despatched on 23rd August to Ernest Garland and Son Limited of Warrington, this superb Mini Cooper 1275S was first registered on 15th September 1966. Bearing registration LTG 222D, originally issued in Glamorgan, it has just two former registered keepers and is accompanied by its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, confirming its factory specification. This included Island Blue paintwork with an Old English White roof, Cumulus Grey and Gold interior, reclining front seats, an oil cooler, fresh-air heater and 4.5-inch wheel rims. The speedometer indicates 20,619 miles at the time of cataloguing, having previously been dismantled and repaired.
 
The subject of an extensive bare-metal, rotisserie restoration, the bodyshell, doors, bonnet and boot lid were stripped and sandblasted before substantial structural and panel work was undertaken. Replacement components included door skins, inner and outer front wings, complete floors, inner and outer sills, inner and outer A-panels, rear wheelarches, companion bins, boot floor and front panel. Mini Machine and Heritage panels were used throughout, with Mini Machine also responsible for converting the front panel and boot floor to the correct Mk1 specification. The Island Blue paintwork extends to the interior floors and underside, reflecting the attention devoted to the restoration.
 
The work extended to the running gear, with the subframes and suspension components blasted, powder-coated where appropriate, or otherwise refurbished and refinished. New bushes, mountings and zinc-plated or stainless-steel fixings were fitted throughout. The suspension was converted from its original Hydrolastic arrangement to dry-cone specification, although the Hydrolastic pipe brackets and elements of the rear installation have been retained.
 
Of particular significance is the car's original matching-numbers 1,275cc Cooper S engine. When our vendor acquired the Mini, a replacement engine had been fitted, although fortunately the original unit accompanied the car in dismantled form. This was subsequently entrusted to Southam Mini Metro Centre (SMMC Race Engines) for a comprehensive rebuild, incorporating a rebore, new pistons and bearing shells, a Swiftune SW5 camshaft, together with extensive lightening and balancing work. The original AEG163 cylinder head was crack-tested and rebuilt with new valves by VMAX Scart, whilst the gearbox was also rebuilt by Southam and upgraded to four-speed synchromesh specification, as reported by our vendor.
 
Further mechanical attention included rebuilding the original brake servo, rather than fitting a reproduction replacement, together with electronic ignition, a new original-style wiring loom and fuse box. A Maniflow manifold and exhaust system were fitted, the latter incorporating a period-style crimped silencer. The twin fuel tanks were stripped and refinished, whilst the interior was retrimmed in the correct Grey and Gold Brocade upholstery, including new reclining front seats, closely reflecting the factory specification.
 
The extensive restoration was completed in January 2023, with the Mini subsequently enjoying a memorable public debut when it was officially unveiled on the red carpet at a British Mini Club show, taking pride of place on the club's stand. Further recognition followed at the Mini Cooper Register's Beaulieu Concours in 2024, where it achieved second place in Class 1. In June 2025, LTG 222D was featured in Classic & Sports Car magazine, including an appearance on the front cover and a dedicated article. The car has covered approximately 200 miles since completion of the restoration and remains filled with its 'running-in'.
 
Finished in its factory colour scheme, with carefully considered mechanical improvements, concours recognition and a subsequent appearance on the cover of Classic & Sports Car, this is a rare opportunity.