The Mini MkII model of the Austin and Morris Mini Cooper was launched in October 1967. Some changes were made most notably a larger rear window and different rear lights. From 1968 the synchromesh gearbox was brought in and this made a massive difference.
Sales of the Mini Cooper and Cooper S were as follows:
- 64,000 Mark I Coopers with 997 cc or 998 cc engines
- 19,000 Mark I Cooper S with 970 cc, 1,071 cc or 1,275 cc engines
- 16,000 Mark II Coopers with 998 cc engines
- 6,300 Mark II Cooper S with 1,275 cc engines.
With only 6,300 Mark II Cooper S models leaving the factory from new this makes the Mark II Cooper S a rare car in todays market. Many did not survive and finding one with the original 1275 engine and in the correct colours is difficult. This Morris Mini Cooper S Mark II 1275ccc was built on 14th April 1969 and dispatched to Joseph Cockshoot and Company Limited, Bury, Lancashire. Finished in Island Blue with a snowberry White roof and black trim. The car has its original shell which is confirmed by the photographs which shows the restoration. It has also been restored to original colours and trim and even has its correct Lancashire reg number which was issued from new. All of this is confirmed by the heritage certificate which also confirms the original engine number. In addition a compressive history file accompanies the car including; all MOT certificates from 1979-2017, HPI Clear document, tax discs, photographs of restoration, bills and invoices over the years adding up to thousands of pounds. The most recent bill totalling £777.36 and the MOT Expires 19/07/18. The car also comes with spare wheel, jack, tool and cover. Only five former keepers have had the pleasure of owning this car; one of which owned the car for 36 years and in this time had the engine rebuilt with a gas flowed head by Harris Motorsport (Downton's apprentice) with power fed through a straight cut gearbox.
To summarise the overall condition of this Cooper S is very good, an older restoration which still looks fantastic. This is a rare opportunity to own a British icon, very fun to drive and quick. These cars have really risen in price this year and I believe the MKII Cooper S is the best of the bunch from the Mini range.