1967 - Austin Cooper S prepared VHC - Lot 2

1967 - Austin Cooper S prepared VHC The Mini that always goes the extra mile! French registration Chassis n°C-A2S7-L/1020911 - The sportiest Cooper S 1275 cm3 version of the authentic "Mini". - Belgian-assembled example from the end of MKI production - Fully prepared for historic racing in the late 1990s - Renovated and serviced since 2019 by specialist Automobiles BMC - 1293 cm3 engine developing almost 120 hp and up-to-date PTH - High-performance, ready to race and eligible for many competitions The Mini, conceived in the late 1950s by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) from a design by Alec Issigonis, quickly became a major cultural and automotive symbol. Conceived as a response to the Suez Canal crisis by offering a modern entry-level car in the face of archaic microcars, it revolutionized the segment with its compact 850 cm³ transverse engine and small 10-inch wheels, optimizing interior space by 80% for passengers and their luggage. Marketed in 1959 under the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor names, the Mini measures just 3.05 meters and weighs around 600 kg, offering remarkable roadholding and driving pleasure. Modest at first, it quickly won over the general public, thanks to its multiple body styles (sedan, station wagon, pick-up, Moke) and sporty versions, notably the Mini Cooper. The latter, developed by engineer John Cooper, transformed the little car into a sporting icon, starting in 1961 with the 997 cm3 Cooper sports version, then its ultimate 1071 cm3 S version in 1964, uprated to 1275 cm3 the following year. It won its first Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, cementing its mythical status. Anchored in the swinging sixties, the Mini became a symbol of British pop culture, supported by its adoption by the stars, its numerous film appearances, and its style that became synonymous with "cool". The Mini evolved continuously: hydrolastic suspension in 1964, Mk II in 1967 with modified grille and rear window, Mk III in 1969 with concealed door hinges and lowered front windows, then Mk IV in 1976 with disc brakes, before adopting electronic fuel injection in 1992. In 1969, Mini became an independent brand, but production of the Cooper ceased in 1971 following the end of the agreement between British Leyland and John Cooper. The classic Mini continued to be produced by various manufacturers, until it was discontinued in 2000. In 1994, BMW acquired Mini and launched the first modern Mini in 2001 (models R50, R56, F55, etc.), available in several variants (convertible, estate, 4x4, coupé) and accompanied by numerous special series, perpetuating the brand's iconic status. With over 5.3 million units produced, the Mini remains a global success and a social phenomenon, a symbol of innovation, sportiness and British pop culture, whose remarkable career shows no signs of coming to an end! Our Mini is a 1967 Austin Cooper S Mark 1. As such, it's the most powerful 1275 cm3 version of the Cooper S, and one of the last Mark I models. According to the accompanying 2019 British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, this is an example that was delivered in Belgium as a "CKD" (Complete Knock Down) kit, the method that was used for major export markets, where cars were sent in parts to be assembled in local factories. Arriving in France in 1992, this Cooper S was carefully prepared for historic competition by an enthusiast at the turn of the millennium, as evidenced by the old PTH. Initially used to race in the Trophée Maxi 1000, it was later converted to a 1293 cm3 in order to take part in the Trophée Mini Classique, among other events, but in the end did not race much in this configuration until recent years, since it was mainly its current owner who twice took part in the historic Rallye de Monte-Carlo with this Mini and distinguished himself at its wheel in the historic Tour de Corse in 2021 and 2023 in particular. The latter acquired the car from specialist Automobiles BMC in Vienna in 2019, when it had just undergone refurbishment. He then entrusted it with regular preparation and maintenance, so as to be able to compete in multiple historic events in good conditions. It has to be said that this little flea is very powerful, with an engine developing almost 120 horsepower! Full details of the mechanical optimization are available in the dossier, which also includes numerous facts and figures.