We are delighted to offer this truly exceptional 1966 Austin Mini 998 Cooper in factory Tweed Grey, with an Old English White Roof.
Having been with the previous owner for over 27 years, the car was treated is to a complete restoration in 2016, which was completed in 2017.
Carried out by a Classic Mini specialist, the bodyshell, subframes, engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electrics and interior have all been refurbished, replaced or rebuilt at a cost of over £28,000. At the same time the car was fitted with a number of Cooper S upgrades.
On completion of the restoration and with the restoring company valuing the car for insurance purposes, at not less than £38,000, an immobiliser and GPS tracker was fitted.
This is a matching numbers car, showing an indicated 55K miles. Past MOT certificates in the documents file, dating back to 1995, support this mileage.
Having covered around 2000 miles since its restoration, the car is nicely run in and is ready to be enjoyed or to delight at shows.
This is a superb example of a MK1 Mini Cooper, which has been restored to the highest level and which looks stunning and drives superbly.
It looks like a Mini Cooper S, but one in this condition, built to this specification, would be considerably more expensive.
Finished in its original Tweed Grey with an Old English White roof, as can been seen by the photos, the car presents superbly.
The restoration included a full bodyshell strip of the exterior and interior trim, engine and gearbox and both subframes. The shell then went through a sandblasting process, before being rebuilt. All rusty body and floor panels, were replaced with genuine Heritage panels, where possible, before being repainted. The underside was also treated with Gravitex underseal, before also being repainted.
The panel gaps between the wings and the scuttle panel are to factory standard and the paint finish, probably better than when it left the factory in 1966. As part of the restoration, the car was converted to a “twin tank” tank set-up, which dramatically improves the car’s range.
The chrome work is very good all round, but not without some light patina in places. The same can be said for the glasswork which although in very good condition, has some age related marks commensurate with its age.
All external electric work as they should. In addition, the headlights have been converted to Halogen units and additional driving lamps have been added.
Full details of the extent of the work to the bodyshell can be seen in a letter from the Managing Director of The East Anglian Mini Centre, as well as a laminated “works sheet” for the car’s restoration.
The interior has been sympathetically restored, retaining as much of the originality as possible.
The two-tone seats in vinyl are believed to be original, as is the headlining, both of which present in lovely condition, with just the right level of patina to fit with the car.
New rubber seals all round, carpets and sound proofing have all been added as part of the restoration. In addition, an electronic rev counter and leather bound Moto- Lita steering wheel were also added, for an extra touch of sportiness.
The car’s boot contains the correct shelf covering the spare wheel well as well as the correct battery cover. There is a correctly sized spare wheel and tyre, original car jack and tyre lever.
Finally, a period Radiomobile LM/MW radio was also fitted, along with a fob activated immobiliser and GPS tracker (which sends a message to your phone if the car moves), for added security.
Whilst there was a substantial investment made to the bodyshell, the same approach was also taken with the mechanicals.
The original high compression Mini Cooper engine was fully stripped, to ascertain the rebuilding requirements.
The 998 cc engine was rebored plus 60, so now has a capacity of 1045 cc. It has a ported head with larger valves (that was also modified to accept lead free fuel), a fast road camshaft, polished crank, balanced con rods and a free flowing manifold. The engine was then rebuilt with a new oil pump, timing chain, rocker shaft, bolts and studs.
The twin carburettors were, stripped and cleaned and reassembled with new parts. The free flowing manifold, combined with an RC40 exhaust silencer, not only provides for more power, but also provides for a wonderfully rorty, but not too intrusive exhaust note.
The gearbox was rebuilt, with a new clutch assembly and electronic ignition fitted.
Both subframes and all suspension components were sandblasted and either powder coated, or finished in 2 pack black gloss. The subframes were then rebuilt, using new bushes and bolts throughout. The car still has its factory hydrolastic suspension, but with competition bump stops front and rear.
For a full breakdown of the complete engine, gearbox and suspension works, please see documents set out in the Documented History section.
The brakes have been upgraded to 7.5 inch Cooper S discs and callipers, with Cooper S master cylinder and servo, as well as Cooper S rear drums. The car has also been fitted new brake pipes and braided brake hoses front and rear. As a result car pulls up strongly and in a straight line.
The car sits on the wider Cooper S 10 x 4.5 inch steel wheels, fitted with Falken FK-07E tyres in size 165/70/R10, which are specifically designed as a modern sporty option for the Classic Mini, all with significant tread.
As can be seen from the photos, the underside is in superb condition and looking like it just rolled off the assembly line in 1966!
In addition to the Gravitex underseal and paint it had as part of the restoration, as part of the pre-sale preparation, the entire underside was further protected with the application of an anti-corrosion clear wax. This included all floor pans, sills, inner wings and all mechanical, suspension and braking components.
The car comes with a comprehensive history file. This includes the current registration document, as well as copies of registration documents from all previous owners.
There is an extensive set of parts invoices, which include the restoration works in 2016, current and old MOTs dating back to 1995. The MOT history also shows that the car has not failed an MOT, since the introduction of electronic DVLA MOT records in 2006.
There is a letter from the managing director of The East Anglia Mini Centre, who carried out the restoration works, setting out in detail all the works completed, as well as a laminated “works sheet”, also setting out the restoration works.
There is a memory stick containing photos of the bodyshell restoration.
There is a Total Vehicle check carried out in May 2023, which amongst other things, show the car is HPI free, has never been written off and does not show any mileage issues, as well as outlining details of all MOTs since 2006.
In addition, there are a selection of photos from its previous ownership.
Finally, the car comes with 2 sets of keys and immobiliser key fobs.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
Whilst every effort is made to represent details accurately on our Web Site, variations or errors may occur and so the information contained herewith does not constitute an offer for sale of any particular vehicle, accessory or specification.
