1963 Morris Mini Cooper MK1

Highlights

• Early Mk1 example, first registered in 1963
• Bare metal restoration supported by photographic evidence and restoration records
• Heritage Certificate and original owner's handbook included
• Finished in the classic factory colour combination of Almond Green with Old English White roof
• Original steering wheel and two original seats included in the sale
• Over £30,000 have been spent on the restoration completed 4 years ago

The Appeal

Issigonis's Mini Cooper was introduced to fit a big gap in the market; a compact little 'nurse's car' that could be parked anywhere, driven anywhere, and was easy to pick up - but it was a bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Thanks to its nimble, sure-footed proportions, it was a perfect little pocket rocket, ideal for taking a shot at the sports and rally circuit.
The 997cc Cooper variant was built in limited numbers, and early examples such as this 1963 car are increasingly difficult to find in well-presented condition. This particular example has undergone a bare-metal restoration, documented with photographs and accompanying records.

The bodywork has been resprayed in the classic factory pairing of Almond Green with an Old English White roof, while the engine has been fully rebuilt with an upgraded 1275 cylinder head. The interior has been retrimmed, and the car is fitted with several period-appropriate accessories.

The car comes with a Heritage Certificate, the original owner's handbook, a Haynes workshop manual, and the restoration records.

Key Information

• Mileage: 88,871 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 997cc inline-four with 1275 cylinder head upgrade (approx. 100 hp), 4-speed manual, front-wheel drive
• Paperwork: Original owner's handbook, Heritage Certificate, Haynes workshop manual, restoration records, and photographic evidence of restoration
• Selling due to lack of use and as per any classic, it needs to be used and maintained
• Restorers were not aiming for a concourse car, but more a usable mini cooper for today. Its not a perfect car, but its pretty amazing and is a real head turner

The Detail

• Bare metal restoration carried out, documented with photographic evidence
• Glass-out respray in Almond Green with Old English White roof
• Handsome, contrasting brightwork
• Small dent to the boot hatch with visible misalignment to the badging
• Fitted with 10-inch Minilite alloy wheels and Falken Sincera tyres
• Front seats retrimmed with Newton Commercial upholstery in Porcelain Green and Dove Grey leatherette
• The vendor notes some discolouration to the original rear seats
• Black dashboard with chrome trim highlights
• Equipped with inertia-reel seat belts, roll-back Webasto sunroof, Moto Lita steering wheel, Smiths gauges, sliding windows, and a heater
• Original steering wheel and two original seats included in the sale
• Sale includes one full set of ignition keys plus multiple keys for doors and boot
• Full engine rebuild including upgraded 1275 cylinder head, producing approximately 100 hp
• Drivetrain, clutch, bearings, and brakes overhauled

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.