Oct 20, 2024  •  For Sale  •  7 Comments

Tiny Brit Collection. Mini Cooper, Parts, and Mini Moke

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Austin released the original Mini as affordable and economical transport, but it eventually became a giant killer in motorsport. With international rally success and a clean sweep of the first nine places in Australia’s 1966 Bathurst 500, it proved to be an effective weapon in almost all circumstances. This 1964 Cooper S Mk I is part of a larger collection that is set to find a new home. All are pint-sized Brits, but they are also promising candidates for project builds. Prices vary across the range, but you will find the collection listed here on Craigslist in Ventura, California.

The history of this Cooper S is unclear, but it could be a car deserving deeper investigation. The seller received information from a previous UK owner, claiming that it has links to the Monte Carlo Rally. The information is vague, but with the VIN in hand, the new owner might be able to uncover the truth. The seller purchased the vehicle around thirty-five years ago, and it has been in storage ever since. Its dry location and the favorable storage environment mean it might have survived with little or no penetrating rust. The paint shows its age, but its condition could allow the buyer to opt for preservation over restoration if research confirms that it is a significant slice of motorsport history. It carries the external features of a period-correct rally car, including the wider steel wheels, additional lights, and the roof rack which typically accommodated spare wheels, fuel cans, and other sundry items.

The mechanical information supplied by the seller is slightly vague, but what we should be looking at is a 1,071cc four that produced 70hp and 62 ft/lbs of torque when it rolled off the line. We know that the cylinder head carries the casting mark for a “big valve” Mark 1 Cooper S, along with the correct SU carburetors. Interestingly, the hallmarks of potential factory rally links are easy to spot. These include fuel and brake lines that are routed through the cabin for protection, dual fuel tanks, and dual pumps. The interior features reclining rally seats, a three-point roll bar, and a range of additional switches, lights, and gauges. The Cooper S appears complete, and while the seller set their price at $20,000, they are willing to negotiate. It could be an excellent buy at that price if its international rally pedigree is confirmed.

Some enthusiasts love Minis, but the rally example may not tick the boxes for them. If you feel that way, this bodyshell could represent the first step in creating the road-going classic of your dreams. It is rock-solid, with no rust or other nasty surprises awaiting the buyer. The seller admits the trunk floor requires attention, but includes the new steel for the buyer to install. The deal also includes rust-free doors, a hood, and a trunk lid. The body is setup for twin tanks and a remote shifter, making it an ideal base for a Cooper S tribute. Originally priced at $10,000, the seller has slashed that figure to $7,500.

If you purchase the bare shell as a project build but don’t have any mechanical components, the seller has you covered. He has a 1,275cc engine, transmission, axles, disc brake assemblies, radiator, exhaust manifold, steering rack, external oil cooler, twin SU carburetors, and remote shifter assembly. Everything is mounted on a correct subframe for easy installation. The engine has been in dry storage for many years but was in good health when removed from the donor race car. The seller indicates that everything will require inspection before being pressed into service, although the visual indications are positive. Originally offered for $5,000, the price reduction to $3,500 for the entire drivetrain looks like a bargain. However, the seller is open to negotiating a package deal for the bodyshell and mechanical components, or any combination of cars and parts within the collection.

Originally designed as an unsuccessful contender for military use, the Moke eventually saw active service as a cheap and cheerful commuter or weekend recreational vehicle.  Powered by an 850cc four producing 34hp, this one features front disc brakes and updated 12″ alloy wheels that would improve handling and braking efficiency. It runs and drives, making it a turnkey proposition. The seller describes it as presentable, indicating that it would benefit from some TLC and a cosmetic refresh. This is another classic with a reduced price, dropping from $15,000 to $14,500. It would look right at home cruising the beachfront on a sunny summer day.

This collection of British classics seems to contain something for everyone. Those with a passion for vintage racing machinery could restore the Cooper S to its former glory, while the bodyshell and mechanical components could allow the right person to create the Mini of their dreams. However, if your focus is on pure fun, it would be hard to ignore the Moke. The world could be your oyster, but could you stop at owning only one of these classics?

Comments

  1. Derek
    Oct 20, 2024 at 4:40pm

    The Mini has 1970s tail lights.

    Like 1
  2. Malcolm Boyes
    Oct 21, 2024 at 9:23am

    I dont think the Moke is a 64..it has the gas filler on the side,not the top like early Mokes,looks like it should have double wipers, not one like early Mokes and the rear lights etc are most certainly not early Moke.All that said, if this is rust free and the seller can find the title I’d love to have it.To me Mokes ( like the 65 I had) are make to be personalised and modified.

    Like 1
  3. bill tebbutt
    Oct 21, 2024 at 10:31am

    Hmmmm. Maybe its just me, but when the lead-in photo clearly shows later model taillights than a 1964 should have, I begin to doubt the rest of the listing. It may indeed have Monte Carlo history, but I suspect it was simply driven there by a spectator!

    best,
    bt

    Like 1
    • Garry
      Oct 21, 2024 at 1:37pm

      It doesn’t have the little nerf bars on the bumpers that the ‘S’ had. I would have to investigate further to be more certain!

      Like 0
  4. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember
    Oct 21, 2024 at 4:13pm

    It would be nice to know what years these are, especially the Moke. Maybe it doesn’t matter with Minis(?) I’m not a huge fanboy of them, I had a 2009 Cooper S that was a blast.

    Like 0
  5. chrlsful
    Oct 21, 2024 at 6:32pm

    “…All are pint-sized Brits,…” I DO see the vedub Myers-style copper colored buggy in there too.
    I dont like this guy’s business model. Too similar to gul-wing acc from Manhattan. A lill different level (cooper S v MB) but same. “Yeah, U can buy the used here. Of course I can put it together for U before shipped…

    Like 0
  6. Tin Box
    Oct 22, 2024 at 7:16am

    Interesting combo of parts and cars.
    The ‘rally’ car has early pre handle boss doors, bumpers w the holes for the corner bars, and self parking wipers…all correct for an early S or cooper.
    The shell is a 59/60 with no drip rails or window pressings and looks in decent shape.
    The Moke looks like an early Aus car, small wheel but with mudguards, def not an English or 60’s car.

    Like 1

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