Lot 244 - 1966 Morris Mini 1275 Cooper S
| Lot Number | 244 |
| Registration | KLE 833D |
| Chassis Number | KA254892068 |
| Engine Number | 9FSAY-41828 |
| Odometer reading | 43,000 miles |
| Result | Sold - £34,720 |
Introduced in February 1964, the 1275 Mini Cooper S, with its torquey engine, has long been seen as the ultimate 'S' and is currently still the most sought after version for most buyers and owners. Visually the same as the 1071cc 'S', the 1275cc was fitted with hydrolastic suspension along with the rest of the Mini range in late 1964. From early 1966, the extra fuel tank and oil cooler became standard items. The 1275cc 'S' then remained in production pretty much unchanged until September 1967 when the Mk. II version was launched.
This 1966 Morris Mini 1275cc Cooper 'S' is presented in original Almond Green with Old English White roof and has an odometer reading of just over 43,000 miles which is believed to be genuine. The vendor has owned this superb example since 1978 when it was used for a few years as the family run-around; thereafter it was garaged for many years as a 'standby' project but unfortunately, due to work commitments, this never happened. In 2007 it was handed over to a professional, John Baker, well known in the Mini community for his attention to detail, who carried out a full 'nut and bolt' restoration and the results speak for themselves. On completion, the car was featured in a six page spread in the October 2008 edition of Mini Magazine.
The body on this 'S' is in excellent condition and has had 'stone chip' applied to the underside together with 'Waxoyl' to the enclosed sections. Suspension is hydrolastic as it came from the factory; the engine and gearbox have been stripped, reconditioned and reassembled and are found to be working well. The exhaust comprises LCB manifold and RC40 single silencer rear section and when restoration was complete, the car was fitted with new 1.5" SU carburettors and pancake air filters, although the original 1.25" carburettors and filter housing are included in the sale. The engine was set up by renowned Mini tuning specialist, Steve Harris (ex-Downton Engineering) and, to finish, the interior was fitted out with the original seats which are in excellent condition and complemented by Newton Commercial door cards and trim. The dash binnacle is a nice period feature and is thought to be an original 'Billy Dulles' item. This car has covered just over 2,000 miles since restoration and is supplied complete with Heritage Certificate and MoT test certificate valid until 2016; a superb example of the iconic Mini.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.