1967 Morris Mini Traveller to 1,275cc Downton Cooper 'S' Specification
Registration no. RRK 689E
Chassis no. MAW4927668

Approximately 12 months after the Mini saloon's introduction, estate car versions appeared in the form of the Morris Mini Traveller and Austin Countryman, both of which were based on the long-wheelbase Minivan floor pan. At first the duo were available only with 'woody' embellishment, a style that had proved immensely popular on the Morris Minor Traveller, though in the Mini's case the timber was not structural. Naked, all-steel versions appeared later. Although produced until 1982, the Mini estates were never given Hydrolastic suspension while the single trim level available was equivalent to that of the De Luxe saloon.

At the other end of the practical/sporting spectrum was the Mini Cooper. Brainchild of racing car manufacturer John Cooper, the Mini Cooper arrived in September 1961 offering 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. The first of these - the 1,071cc Mini Cooper 'S' of 1963 - took engine development a stage further and provided the basis for the 971cc 'S' and 1,275cc 'S' of 1964. The ultimate Mini of its day, the 1,275cc 'S' pumped out 76bhp while remaining exceptionally flexible and was good for a genuine 100mph - an astonishing performance at the time.

This unique Morris Mini Traveller is fitted with a genuine MkIII Cooper 'S' engine with thick-flange block, originally converted by legendary BMC tuning specialists, Downton Engineering. Over the course of 2016-2018, the car was totally rebuilt by ex-Downton engineer Steve Harris and upgraded to a Downton Stage 5 Conversion while retaining the 1¼" SU carburettors (see letter on file). Steve Harris Motor Engineering also rebuilt the gearbox and treated the body and suspension to a full bare-metal 'ground upwards' restoration and professional re-spray with no expense spared. Other noteworthy features include Dunlop alloy wheels (including spare), triple front spotlights, additional instrumentation, map light, sports seats, heated windscreen, re-trimmed rear seats, Morris Cooper S badges, and Downton Engineering roundels. We are advised that in excess of £20,000 was spent on the renovation. This most exciting Mini 'sports estate' is offered with restoration invoices, an old-style logbook, MoT to June 2019, and a V5C registration document.