Registration No: 8007 ET
Chassis No: K-A2S4-488687
MOT: Exempt

• Professionally adapted to FIA Regulations in 2009 before competing in the St Mary's Trophy at the Goodwood Revival
• 1293cc Swiftune engine, close-ratio four-speed gearbox, and competition differential
• Home-market, right-hand-drive Mk1 Cooper 1071S with supporting Heritage Certificate
• Built to a very high standard for FIA Appendix K specification with over £35,000 worth of documented expenditure
• Little competed since completion

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.

Manufactured on 5th March 1964 and sold through Morris Garages Ltd of Oxford, ‘8007 ET’ was supplied new to the home market, in right-hand drive Mk1 Morris Mini Cooper 1071 'S' form. Entering into the ownership of one family in 1977 (and remaining until 2003), during their ownership the Mini was subject to a full restoration, with the bodyshell receiving restoration in 1995. New subframes front and back were fitted with a bare metal repaint in Tartan Red and a Cambridge White roof, as presented today.

In 2009, the Cooper S was professionally built to a full race FIA specification at a not inconsiderable expense, with bills on file for during 2009 amounting to over £35,000. This decision was prompted by an announcement from Goodwood that the 2009 St Mary's Trophy two-driver race would be run exclusively for Mini Coopers in celebration of the Mini's 50th Birthday. Built to FIA spec and fitted with a full roll cage, Cobra seats with five-point harnesses, internally routed brake lines, heated front screen, plumbed-in fire extinguisher, and genuine Vortz 'rose petal' wheels.

The Saturday seat for the St Mary’s Trophy was offered to multiple CART Champion and 1986 Indy Car winner Bobby Rahal. Front-wheel drive Minis didn't seem to appear anywhere on Mr. Rahal's CV, yet despite this, he finished Saturday's race in a respectable 13th ahead of some talented drivers including Jochen Mass, Warwick Banks, Vern Schuppan, Andy Rouse, Tiff Needell, John Cleland, and Stephan Johansson. Following the 2009 race, the car has seen very little competition use.

Powered by one of Swiftune's legendary 1293 cc engines, incorporating a Tuftrided crank, race pistons, Stage 3 head, lightened and balanced flywheel, and twin HS4 carburettors, and is believed to produce 115bhp at the flywheel. To keep temperatures under control, it benefits from an oil cooler accompanied by a wide radiator coupled with a multiblade fan. The gearbox is a close-ratio four-speed coupled to a competition differential and clutch. Hi-Lo adjustable suspension provides the handling and nimbleness synonymous with Minis and braking by way of 'S' discs and calipers up front and Minifins to the rear.

Accompanied by a large history file including restoration/build photographs, MOTs dating back to 1973, the aforementioned BMHIT heritage certificate, a large selection of invoices, and a copy of the Mini World article where it was featured as the cover car in June 1996. A very capable Cooper S with previous Goodwood experience and lightly raced since completion. A fabulous opportunity.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452