Lot details
Registration No: HMO820D
Chassis No: K-A2S4-821306
Mot Expiry: Nov 2007

The chance meeting between John Cooper and Aurelio Lampredi at the 1959 Italian Grand Prix is now an established part of Mini folklore. Having charmed a very early 850cc model out of BMC and driven it to the Monza meeting, Cooper was accosted by Fiat engineer (and former 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 (or perhaps encouraged) 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. Evolving through MKI, MKII and MKIII guises, this uber-Mini established itself as one of the world's greatest ever rally cars (before being unceremoniously dropped by British Leyland in 1971).

Finished in Tartan Red with an Old English White roof and grey / red upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "95%" (electrical equipment, chassis, paintwork), "98%" (bodywork) or "100%" (engine, gearbox, interior trim) condition. Reportedly upgraded to "Works specification", 'HMO 820D' sports quad driving lamps, twin tanks and steel wheels. Thought but not guaranteed to develop circa 110bhp, its 1293cc A-series engine supposedly houses: "a 641 cam, polished / ported cylinder head, balanced / tutrified crankshaft, balanced / lightened flywheel, balanced / lightened / matched pistons and LCB sports exhaust". Said to have covered some 10,000 miles since a major overhaul in 1992, the unit is apparently allied to "a close-ratio, straight-cut, full synch four-speed manual gearbox complete with low FD etc". While to its interior, the Morris boasts "Corbeau seats, 4-point Britax harnesses, twin fire extinguishers, Works screen washers, dual switch system to navigator / co-driver, Halda Twinmaster, 110mph speedo with trip meter, Works dash system including long reach switches, rev counter, pace note holder, Heuer holder, Mountney steering wheel etc". Stated by the seller to be one chassis number along from 'HJB 656D' which he believes was "Rauno Aaltonen's recce car for the 1967 East African Safari Rally", this much modified Cooper S is offered for sale with "history file, RAC MSA FIA certificate, British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, MOT certificate valid until November 2007 and historic class (free) road tax valid until November 2007.

PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed that 'HMO 820D' wears a replacement Mini MKI bodyshell.

PLEASE NOTE: The estimate on this vehicle is now £18,000 - 20,000.