Description
Highly original Mk1 Cooper S (1071) with matching numbers.
three owners from new.
In thoroughly good order and running well with recent servicing carried out and having won Beaulieu fondly known as Jessica. immaculate restoration and very special in stunning fiesta yellow.
One of the most recognisable cars ever made, the original Mini was an instant success when its production started in 1959. Its front-wheel drive and transverse engine layout influenced a generation of car makers and became one of the best-selling cars in Europe.
With all four wheels “pushed out” to the far corners, interior space was maximised and a wide stance achieved. This gave good balance and nimble handling. The transverse engine planted weight over the front tyres, providing excellent traction and grip. It therefore comes as no surprise that there was soon an appetite for more sporting models. The renowned racing car builder John Cooper crafted these to meet homologation rules for Group 2 rallying.
In 1963, Mini launched the ultimate ‘Pocket Rocket’, the Mini Cooper S. The model was hugely successful in competition, with a 1071 Cooper S winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, driven by the legendary Paddy Hopkirk. Mini followed this up with further wins in 1965 and 1967. In 1966, first, second, and third-placed Minis were all disqualified after the finish, following a controversial decision declaring that the cars headlights were against the rules.
The new model “S” underwent a number of changes, most important being that it featured a productionised version of the well proven Formula Junior engine supplied by Morris Engine which had a capacity of 1071cc. Large servo-assisted disc brakes were also added. 4,030 original Cooper S models were produced and sold until the model was updated in August 1964. The 1071’s successor was the more recognisable 1275, a version built in much greater numbers, with 14,313 cars produced.
