Registration : French papers

The Austin Mini launched in 1959 represented a real stroke of genius. Its road-holding and agility soon drew the attention of competition minded enthusiasts and racing car developers. John Cooper, constructor of Formula 1 and rally cars, understood the potential of the car and proposed to its creator, Alec Issigonis, that they produce a more highly developed version. The management of BMC gave the green light and the two men worked together to produce a sporting but inexpensive Mini Cooper. The Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper models were put on the market in 1961. A new Mini Cooper, labelled “S” was produced in 1963 with a 1 071 cc short stroke engine with a reinforced cylinder block and nitride treated crankshaft. Larger brakes were fitted. This car would be the starting point for those which won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967 ! This little bombshell is the most desirable of all the innumerable versions of the Mini which were produced until 2000.

The car which we are presenting is a 1969 Morris Cooper. She was given “S” badges after a breathed on 1 071 cc S type engine had been installed by the Paris specialist SFR Automobile. Specification included Omega forged pistons, lightened fly-wheel, 997S camshaft, Bryan Slack big bore cylinder head, stage 4 tune with forged rocker arms, Weber 45 carburettor. With all this, the engine has power right across the full rev range. The gearbox is a 4-speed S type with quick shift system, the clutch is reinforced with a racing plate and the front suspension has adjustable Koni shock absorbers. Cooper S front brake discs, vented drums at the back and servo assistance greatly improve the bite and endurance of the braking. The passenger compartment has also been meticulously prepared with a FIA homologated 6 point roll cage, two bucket seats, 4 point harnesses and a Monte Carlo Works type dashboard. The exterior of the car looks impressive with three additional Lucas headlights, widened track and extended wheel-arches, as well as a reversing light. All the invoices relating to the preparation are included in the file with the car, and there are also the original driver’s handbook and several press articles. The two previous owners used the car to participate in the Rallye de Paris 2005, the Neige et Glace 2006, 2007 and in no less than seven editions of the Monte-Carlo Historic Rally.
The cherry on the cake is a document sent by Lucien Campello of SFR Automobile claiming that the 1 071 cc engine in the car originally came from the Cooper S belonging to John Lennon.