1966 Austin

The finest Mini restorations are often distinguished by the smallest details. Correct components, carefully researched finishes and the determination to track down parts that have long since disappeared from general availability all contribute to a result that rewards close inspection. This exceptional Cooper has been restored with precisely that approach, drawing on our vendor’s considerable experience of preparing award-winning Minis.

Our vendor is well known to us, with several of his previous restorations successfully sold through our auctions over the years. His Minis have also collected numerous concours awards, most notably an overall victory in the Meguiar’s Club Showcase at the NEC Classic Motor Show. His outstanding 1959 Morris Mini Minor, offered by Iconic Auctioneers last year, demonstrated the remarkable standards of workmanship and period accuracy that he strives to achieve.

The Cooper offered here was rescued from a garage in 2015, when it was in a rather sorry, repainted state. Our vendor subsequently embarked on a fastidious rebuild alongside his father, with the intention of producing another car capable of competing at the highest level. From the outset, the emphasis was on period accuracy, meticulous preparation and the attention to detail that had brought their previous projects such success.

A significant element of the build was the sourcing of scarce new old stock components. Familiar to dedicated restorers as ‘unobtainium’, these elusive parts can require considerable time and persistence to locate. Their inclusion here reflects a determination to achieve the intended specification using appropriate components, rather than simply accepting the most readily available alternatives.

The car retains its Hydrolastic suspension system, an important feature of its period specification. The same thoroughness extends to the tyres, with new Michelins fitted to all four road wheels and the spare, which pleasingly still retains its Michelin label, one of those small details that enthusiasts will appreciate when examining a car prepared with this degree of care.

Now resplendent in Tweed Grey with an Old English White cap over a monochrome interior in Dark Grey and Dove Grey, the completed Cooper was intended to follow its predecessor towards the Meguiar’s Concours stage, however, it has remained under covers and has never been shown, leaving its next owner the opportunity to introduce it to the concours circuit and explore the potential that inspired its restoration.

Supporting the car is a substantial history file containing a Heritage Certificate, the original owner’s handbook and Passport to Service booklet, together with the retained original VIN plate and engine tag. Numerous invoices record the parts purchased, whilst an accompanying photographic booklet documents the rebuild and provides a valuable insight into the work undertaken.

With its carefully documented restoration, scarce components and the proven abilities of its creator, this Cooper has much to recommend it to the discerning Mini enthusiast. Whilst any future awards must naturally await the judges’ verdict, we believe it has considerable promise. Beautifully prepared and now ready to be appreciated beyond the garage, it offers its next custodian the chance to enjoy the results of an exacting build and, perhaps, fulfil the show ambitions with which the project began.