To many, including its designer Alec Issigonis, the idea that the Mini might be used as anything other than basic transport was an anathema, and the idea of a high-performance version was laughable. John Cooper saw it quite differently and already knew quite a bit about tuning BMC's A-Series engine. He was running the company's Formula Junior effort at the time, and a test drive in a prototype Mini convinced him of the car's competition potential. The resulting 'Cooper', launched in September 1961, offered a size/price/performance package that was nothing short of miraculous. The Mini Cooper soon established its credentials as a rally and race winner, and the stage was set for even faster versions. A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the 'S', was developed in tandem and released in 1963, of which this is one.

Built in October 1965, DOT 580D was first registered in January the following year and still maintains its original registration document. Our vendor purchased the car in 2013, and in 2019 had the car completely restored by Country Classics of Midhurst. A full record of the restoration is included in the history file and available on request, however the most significant works include: engine and gearbox rebuild, replaced main and boot floors, new rear subframe and a full respray. The interior has been retrimmed with new carpets, headlining and front seat covers. Our vendor left no stone unturned in his desire to keep the car original, aside from two areas: the steering rack is from a Mk. II Mini (as the Mk. I rack was unavailable at the time of the restoration) and similarly the door handles are from a January 1966 model, not October 1965. Our vendor has informed us that unfortunately the original engine number plate was lost during restoration and has since been replaced (a letter verifying this is included in the history file). Since this impressive restoration, our vendor has assured us that he's driven the car scarcely more than 4,000 miles and even then only on the dryest of dry days. Aside from that, the car remains garaged. This is an opportunity for anyone wishing to fill that Mini-shaped void in their garage, with a thoroughly well-kept example. Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Lot details
Year: 1965
Make: Austin
Model: Mini Cooper S (1275cc)
Registration: DOT 580D
Chassis No: CA257/799396
Odometer: tba

* Comprehensively restored by marque specialists in 2019 at a cost of more than £40,000
* Matching-numbers example
* Offered from thirteen-year ownership