For Sale at Auction: 1968 Austin Mini in Las Vegas, Nevada

Chassis No. C-A2SB/1187428

More than just a car, the Austin Mini is a cultural icon transcending class and status. For motorsport enthusiasts, it is a legendary giant-killer. When BMC unveiled Sir Alec Issigonis' groundbreaking Mini to the world in 1959, it was only intended as basic transportation. John Cooper, a friend of Issigonis and a major force in international motorsports, saw tremendous performance potential in the Mini. It took some persuading of Sir Alec and the BMC board to grant Cooper official support to turn the humble Mini into a proper pocket-rocket.

Cooper reengineered the Mini with a larger engine (997-cc vs 848-cc), front disc brakes, bigger carburetors, and a close-ratio gearbox - while an even more powerful Cooper S was developed simultaneously. From battling 7.0-liter Galaxies in the British Saloon Car Championship to racking up stage wins on the Monte Carlo and 1000 Lakes Rallies, the tiny, astonishingly quick Mini Cooper stunned the motorsports establishment, cementing its legacy as one of the greatest performance cars of all time.

While in production for a remarkable 41 years, the earlier cars are most sought after by enthusiasts for their purity and simplicity. This 1968 Cooper is a Mk II example, maintaining the character and design purity of the Mk I, with refinements like larger windows, tweaked styling, and, for the Cooper S, the torquey 1,275-cc engine.

According to its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this particular Mini Cooper S, chassis 1187428, was completed as a Mk II model on 6 November 1968. It was finished in Almond Green and Snowberry White with a Black-upholstered interior and dispatched two days later on 8 November to Germany. Now presented in its charming original color scheme, this attractive example is ideal for the driving enthusiast after a slice of that Mini magic. Choice period parts include a low-back bucket driver's seat trimmed to match the cabin, a leather-wrapped Moto Lita wheel, TIM 8,000 rpm tachometer, Paddy Hopkirk extended throttle pedal, and 10-inch Minilite wheels shod with Yokohama A-008 tires - the longtime favorite for hot Minis. Passengers are advised to hold on in the corners!

Evidenced by the car show plaques on the door and its light, appealing patina, this car has been cherished and enjoyed as intended and is now the ticket to experiencing the unique joys of Mini Cooper S ownership. Nimble handling, infectious character, and the thrill of driving a true motorsport legend in miniature form await its next caretaker.