1964 Morris

The ‘Mini’ as we know it today was introduced in 1959 and marketed by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) as either an Austin Seven or a Morris Mini-Minor. The model names were soon simplified to become just the Austin or Morris Mini and both cars were identical apart from the badges and radiator grille. The cars design of transverse engine, front wheel drive and suspension layout, to give maximum interior space, also resulted in exceptional handling for a small car. This fact didn’t go unnoticed by John Cooper, owner of Cooper Cars and designer and builder of Formula One and rally cars. Seeing the potential for competition he persuaded BMC to build a performance version and so in 1961 the Austin and Morris ‘Mini Coopers’ were born. The car used an increased capacity 997cc race tuned engine with close ratio gearbox and front disc brakes and immediately became a success with the racing and rallying fraternity. An even more powerful version, initially termed the ‘S-Type’, was introduced in April 1963 using a further developed 1071cc engine and larger servo assisted disc brakes. The Mini Cooper S became immediately popular with celebrities and rally drivers alike and has more recently become a firm favourite in historic racing, particularly genuine early MKI Cooper S cars.
This particular car is an original Morris Mini Cooper S, first registered in April 1964 to Mr Searby from Grimsby, in the colour scheme you see it in today and with the same registration number. It has only changed hands twice since, in 1978 to Mr Lamb from high Wycombe and again in 1992 when the current keeper purchased it with a view to converting it into a race car. Since completion in 1993 the car has competed very successfully in many events including: Deutsche Historische Tourenwagen where it was overall champion in 1996, U2TC, Masters, HSCC and the Goodwood Revival in 1999, 2000, 2009, when it came 2nd overall in the St Mary’s Trophy and 2015 where it was recorded as the fastest Mini!!
This exceptionally well maintained car with no expense spared had a fully rebuilt Swiftune race engine, to the latest works specification, fitted before the Goodwood Revival 2015. It has only completed this one event, where it was recorded as the fastest Mini, before being fully race prepared post meeting.
The car comes with original green card log book, Heritage Certificate, race preparation invoices and FIA Passport issued in July 2015. It also has many engine and other spares, Magnesium Minilite wheels and a recently serviced Brian James 4 wheel trailer!
A rare opportunity to acquire a very competitive and genuine Mini Cooper S, fully prepared and ready to race with a comprehensive spares package and even a trailer!