The Mini is one of the most iconic cars in automotive history. Sir Alec Issigonis was briefed to design a car that could be contained within a box that measured 3m x 1.2m x 1.2m, and the passenger compartment should occupy 60% of that length. The engine had to be an existing BMC unit, and therefore superior to the motorcycle -engined bubble cars. The Mini was the result and was introduced in 1959. Badged as both Austin and Morris, initially called the Austin Seven or Morris Minor, the Mini was powered by a transversely mounted 850cc four-cylinder engine producing 34 HP powering the front wheels and only weighed 600kg.

In 1961, John Cooper, a successful Formula 1 racing car constructor, noted the potential of the Mini as a performance car. He gave the 850cc engine a longer stroke, twin SU carburetors, front disc brakes and a closer ratio gearbox. The Mini Cooper was born which went on to win numerous international races including the Monte Carlo rally three times. More powerful Cooper S models were introduced too which saw success in closed circuit motor racing. The appeal as a performance car was enhanced when three Mini Cooper’s starred in the Italian Job movie which used the Mini Coopers in a bank heist.

This Austin Mini Cooper S was manufactured in the UK, shipped to South Africa as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) and assembled at the Blackheath factory in Cape Town South Africa. This example has been in long-term ownership since 1997 and was restored between 1995 and 1997. The current owner has maintained this Mini Coopers S to a high standard and a very high level of consideration was paid to make sure only authentic correct parts were used. Most invoices and receipts were kept which has resulted in an impressive history file which documents the maintenance over the past 29 years In addition, invoices from the restoration by the previous owner in Johannesburg were kept too.

In 2015 the engine was rebuilt by well-known Mini specialist and the odometer shows a total of 81 000 miles

This is an opportunity to secure a numbers correct and authentic example of the iconic Mini which has received countless accolades and this Mini will be a key addition to any car collection.

Contact Gareth for more details Tel: (021) 462 3558 Mobile: (083) 5370 456 or send us an enquiry via the contact form below