From the Classifieds: 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S

The resurrection by BMW of the MINI name in 2002 can’t have been a bad thing for owners of the first, Morris-built model. It has arguably injected new enthusiasm into identifying genuine, original models – particularly the Cooper S versions.

That is why carsales.com.au lists a healthy representation of original Minis --from the initial 850 model introduced locally in 1961 through to various iterations including the Mini K of the late 1960s. Best of all, however, is the remarkable 58kW 1275cc Cooper S, introduced locally in 1965 and famous for giant-killing feats on rally circuits and racetracks around the country.

Finding an early Mini Cooper S is easy enough, but it takes a little more effort to find a genuine one. There’s a heap of replicas – many of them beautifully presented – but far fewer that are able to claim true heritage status.

Comparing an original Mini to today’s BMW-built version, it always comes as a surprise the diminutive size of the original Alex Issoginis design. The mental gymnastics of imagining what people did with, on, or inside the Mini are equal to the physical gymnastics that were involved at the time. This writer recalls high-speed midnight drives in a 1963 Mini to the Victorian snowfields with three adults on board, along with their skis and luggage – that was in the early days when only the base 997cc Cooper existed.

Like any car that stood out from the crowd, for whatever reason, Minis are usually fondly remembered by past owners.

This particular 1967 Cooper S from Albany Creek in Queensland listed on carpoint.com.au caught our attention because, among the many replicas, the owners says it is one of the few true Cooper Ss for sale.

The Marine Blue (with white roof) car is being sold because of the death of its owner who bought it 27 years ago and, despite the fact it only shows 78,064 miles on the odometer, put it through not one, but two restorations – the most recent in the last few years.

The car is described today as “pristine.”

Its departure will be a sad day for the family. The owner’s daughter, who remembers the Mini from her childhood as a special occasions car and still take sit out for a run, says her father: “Absolutely loved it. It gets a lot of attention on the road today.”

She says the Cooper S has “All-new upholstery, carpet, door trims and badges, window and door seals, brakes and electrical wiring”. It also has new tyres, refurbished alloy wheels and a fully reconditioned engine.