Estimated Price: £34,000 - £38,000

To many, its designer Alec Issigonis included, the notion that the Mini might have a future as anything other than basic transport was anathema, and the idea of a high-performance version was laughable. One man though saw it quite differently. Racing car manufacturer John Cooper already knew quite a bit about tuning BMC's A-Series engine - he was running the company's Formula Junior effort at the time - and a test drive in a prototype Mini convinced him of the car's competition potential. The result, launched in September 1961, was the Mini Cooper, a car that offered a size/price/performance package that was nothing short of miraculous. The Mini Cooper soon established its credentials as a rally and race winner, and the stage was set for even faster versions. The first of these - the 1,071cc Mini Cooper S (April 1963 until August 1964) - took engine development a stage further and provided the basis for the 970 'S' and 1275 'S' of 1964.

Primarily intended for competition use, the 1071 S is probably the best driving of all the 'S' derivatives being more tractable than the 1275 S and 970 S, partially due to its Formula Junior race unit developed by Morris Engines. Originally fitted with an oil cooler, 4.5" wheels and 3.44:1 final drive, they really were impressive in period and still amaze today.

The accompanying Heritage Trust Certificate confirms that this example, finished in Almond Green and Old English White with a Porcelain Green and Dove Grey interior and optioned with a Fresh Air Heater, was built on 20/04/1964 before being dispatched to Car Mart Ltd. London NW1 and onward to its first owner.

It joined the Collection in 2021 having been subject to a full body restoration by a previous owner between 2018/2019 with multiple invoices in the history file. Much of the work entrusted to The Collection's in-house team revolved around the final 5% of detail required to make this 1071 S one of the best available. Mechanically, the ring-gear on the flywheel was replaced, a new starter motor fitted, new clutch plate, brake overhaul, and the exhaust was replaced throughout. Externally new front and rear screens were fitted and the little Cooper fully detailed to bring it up to the standard of its neighbours in the Collection.

Because of its scarcity (just over 4,000 built), historical significance—including winning the iconic 1964 Monte Carlo Rally—and rev-happy, short-stroke engine, the 1071 S remains one of the rarest and most valuable of the classic Minis, making this a must for an enthusiast or a collector with one eye on the concours field.