Pour Rody,

1971 Mini Cooper 1275 ‘S’ Saloon

Registration no. FYA 103J - Chassis no. YG2542569 - Engine no. 9FXEY55949 - Estimate: £8,000 - 10,000

Footnote: Brainchild of racing car manufacturer John Cooper, the Mini Cooper arrived in September 1961 offering 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. The first of these - the 1,071cc Mini Cooper ‘S’ of 1963 - took engine development a stage further and provided the basis for the 971cc ‘S’ and 1,275cc ‘S’ of 1964. The ultimate Mini of its day, the 1,275cc ‘S’ pumped out 76bhp while remaining exceptionally flexible and was good for a genuine 100mph - an astonishing performance at the time. Ultimately the Cooper ‘S’ fell foul of British Leyland rationalisation, leaving the lacklustre 1275 GT as the only sporting Mini after it was dropped in August 1971. There would be Cooper-badged Minis again in the distant future, but for many enthusiasts those produced during 1970/71 were the last ‘real’ examples of the marque.
The Mini in its various forms was also produced overseas, including Australia where locally built examples had their own unique features, including winding windows (before the UK version got them). This right-hand drive Morris Cooper S was first registered in Australia before being exported to Hong Kong where it was purchased in 1992 by the immediately preceding owner. The latter then commissioned a full restoration with Hammond Coachbuilders, of Parsons Green, London, which was completed in 1994 at a cost in excess of £5,000. Invoices relating to the work and a full photographic record come with the car. Purchased by the current owner in 1997, ‘FYA 103J’ has seen little use since and remains in very good condition. It is offered with old-style logbook, current MoT/road fund licence, Swansea V5 registration document and restoration invoices and photographic record.

Bonhams. Important Collectors' Motor Cars, Collectors' Motorcycyles and Fine Automobilia. 3 Dec 2007.  Olympia, London.