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.
Vehicle Details
1968 Austin Mini
Listing ID:CC-2008903
Price:Auction Vehicle
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada
Year:1968
Make:Austin
Model:Mini
Odometer:65057
Stock Number:LV25Lot_170
VIN:CA2SBL1187428
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