Registration No: OBP 210E
Chassis No: C-A2S7/985511
MOT: Exempt

• Desirable final year, home-market, matching numbers example
• A very solid restoration project
• Believed to be one lady owner from new on the Isle of Guernsey, prior to the vendor
• Factory specified with twin fuel tanks, heater and oil cooler

The chance meeting between John Cooper and Aurelio Lampredi at the 1959 Italian GP is now an established part of Mini folklore. Having charmed a very early 850cc model out of BMC and driven it to Monza, Cooper was accosted by Fiat engineer (and ex-Ferrari F1 designer) Lampredi. Infected by his old enemy's enthusiasm, the Italian asked to borrow the new wonder car. Returning several hours later, he heralded it as the future of automotive design before adding "if it weren't so ugly, I'd shoot myself". Unperturbed Cooper continued to harass Issigonis and BMC until they agreed to build a 'hot' version. Initially conceived as a homologation special, the Mini Cooper was launched in July 1961. Powered by an enlarged 997cc engine and benefiting from front disc brakes, it gave way to a succession of ever quicker variants culminating in the 1275 'S' of 1964. Around 4,986 Mk1 Cooper Ss are believed to have been built.

According to the BMC Heritage Certificate supplied with the car, chassis C-A2S7/985511 was built on 27th April 1967 and despatched to the supplying dealer, Ash Limited of Guernsey, on 20th June 1967. The car was originally supplied in Almond Green with an Old English White Roof with a Porcelain Green and Dove Grey interior. The car was registered on Guernsey as 19512 and it is understood to have been owned by one owner since new. The car was repainted Black with a White roof whilst in their ownership and fitted with a Smiths Rev Counter - but after a number of years fell into disrepair and was subsequently laid up with 68,876 miles on the odometer. The vendor (who owns a collection of Minis and lives in the UK Mainland) acquired the car in approximately 2019 and transported the car back on his trailer, whilst attracting a number of admiring comments from the Guernsey residents - some telling him that they recognised the car and its previous owner and wishing him well. Intending to restore the car, the vendor started the process of registering the car with the DVLA and the car is now registered as ‘OBP 210E’. The car has remained unrestored since and the vendor has numerous projects that he wishes to complete, so this rare Cooper S is now being offered to the highest bidder.

Upon inspection, we found that the car is in a relatively complete condition and the vendor has stated the only part that he is aware of that is missing is the air box for the Twin SU HS2 carburettors. The vendor advises that although the car is in need of total restoration, the original shell appears to be relatively solid, with the only major areas of rust being in the Sills and front floor pans as these have been badly repaired with fibreglass in the past. The nearside rear floor pan appears solid, however, minor work appears to be needed on the offside rear floor pan. The driver's side front corner of the roof appears to have been repaired at some point (although not terribly well) and the roof gutters are in need of work as they appear to have been hacked around. The A-Posts and scuttle appear in relatively good shape and the wings also appear to be saveable. Body-wise, we have seen original shells repaired that appear to be very much worse.

The original 1275 Cooper S engine with engine number 9F-SA-Y/46002 is thankfully present with the car and although in need of a complete overhaul, the vendor has advised that he has had it running by pouring petrol directly down the carburettor mouths after fresh oil, adjustment to the valve clearances and some work to the ignition system. The vendor has advised that the engine appears to retain its original 11-stud cylinder head.

It is very rare that a genuine Cooper S comes onto the market in restoration project condition and thus this car is the perfect blank canvas for a potential future owner. Now available on the open market for the first time, this little car with much potential will be offered at No Reserve.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430