1964 Morris Cooper S 1275 Mk1

Highlights

• Very early Cooper S 1275 used as demonstrator for three years
• Current keeper since 1979 with only two previous keepers
• History known to the current owner from new
• Engine rebored to 1,298cc shortly before being taken off the road
• Offered as a restoration project with all removed parts included

The Appeal

Dropping the 1,275cc A-Series engine into the Mini finally made the little Cooper a proper giant killer. In this specification, Paddy Hopkirk ran rings around bigger machinery to nab the overall win on the ‘64 Monte.

In the same year as that incredible win this Mk1 Cooper S 1275 left the works. Chassis records indicate that it is car number 460 of around 3,000 built that year, making it one of the earliest remaining survivors. The vendor says it spent its first three years as a demonstrator, then had three subsequent keepers. The vendor acquired it in 1979, telling us that he new the previous keeper because he worked at the garage he used to maintain it. The engine and gearbox have been replaced, with the latter rebored to 1,298cc before the car was stored.

Now offered as a restoration project, the car has been partially stripped, with the offside front wing. Some parts, including the front windscreen, have been removed and are included. The owner is unable to complete the work personally due to illness, presenting an opportunity for a new custodian to take on a Cooper S with a genuinely traceable history and bring it back to life.

The vendor says:

“I love everything about it, and still think that the mini is one of the best cars to drive. If I hadn’t been struck with this illness, I would have got this car back on the road myself.”

Key Information

• Mileage: 21,993 miles indicated (total mileage is likely to be higher)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 1,275cc four-cylinder inline petrol (rebored to 1,298cc), four-speed manual
• Paperwork: No service history available

The Detail

• Used as a demonstration vehicle for the first three years of its life
• Previous owner had a replacement engine fitted
• Replacement gearbox fitted circa 1980
• Engine rebored to 1,298cc we are told and is not currently running
• Handbrake modified to operate in reverse for quick release
• Door handles modified with 'spin foils' that spin round when locked
• Vehicle has been stored in a shed for many years
• Damp carpet placed on the roof has caused damage to the roof paintwork
• Partial strip-down commenced: offside front wing, offside A panel, and offside door have been removed
• Front windscreen and some interior dash parts also removed
• Front seats show wear and tear
• Vehicle requires a complete refurbishment

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