1963 Austin Mini Cooper S

BY 1963 the BMC Competition department knew what they wanted to do with the Mini. Their efforts culminated in the 1963 Austin Cooper S and Morris Cooper S. Besides a host of upgrades, the primary difference was a specially cast engine block and cylinder head that was more suitable for racing.

The first Cooper S models used a 1071 cc engine with a special nitrided steel crankshaft. In 1964 a range of displacements was offered including 971 cc and a 1275 cc.

For extended trips and rally racing, a second fuel tank was fitted. Other factory upgrades included larger front disc brakes, a vacuum-assisted brake booster and offset steel wheels which were widened to 4½ inches by 1964.

Despite only having around 75 bhp on tap, the Minis were very successful in Group 2 Rally racing, winning the Monte Carlo Rally outright.

In Detail

type	Series Production Car
built at	England
engine	Inline-4
valvetrain	OHV 2 Valves / Cyl
displacement	1071 cc / 65.4 in³
bore	70.6 mm / 2.78 in
stroke	68.28 mm / 2.69 in
compression	9.0:1
power	52.2 kw / 70.0 bhp @ 6200 rpm
specific output	65.36 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	123.46 bhp per tonne
torque	84.06 nm / 62.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
redline	6500
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	Front Engine / FWD
front brakes	Solid Discs w/Power Assist
rear brakes	Drums w/Power Assist
front wheels	F 25.4 x 8.9 cm / 10.0 x 3.5 in
rear wheels	R 25.4 x 8.9 cm / 10.0 x 3.5 in
steering	Rack & Pinion
curb weight	567 kg / 1250 lbs
wheelbase	2032 mm / 80.0 in
front track	1341 mm / 52.8 in
rear track	1191 mm / 46.9 in
length	3124 mm / 123.0 in
width	1410 mm / 55.5 in
height	1346 mm / 53.0 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual
gear ratios	3.254:1, 1.948:1, 1.378:1, 1.0:1
final drive	3.7:1
top speed	~144.8 kph / 90.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~13.0 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~19.2 seconds

Auction Sales History

1964 Austin Mini Cooper S CA2S7L487897 – sold for $39,600 Extremely Rare and Original 1071 Engine. Restored to Factory Specification. Charming Color Combination. Symbol of the Sixties British Culture.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1965 Austin Mini Cooper 1275 “S” – sold for $52,250 One of 2,384 “true” Mini Cooper 1275 ‘S’ and 1,324 LHD models produced. Single-family ownership from 1965-2003. Highly documented, accompanied by FIA papers and ready to race. Completely matching numbers from new and still fitted with the original documented accident- and rust-free shell.
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by

1964 Austin Mini Cooper ‘S’

This Mini Cooper S was sold new in Belgium and is currently in the hands of only its third owner since 1964. Originally supplied with the 970cc engine (included in the sale) it is currently fitted with a 1,275cc unit prepared to competition specification by Mini Sport UK. Fully prepared for historic rallying, the car boasts straight-cut gearbox pinions, adjustable competition shock absorbers front and rear, interior roll cage, Sparco seats, multi-point harnesses, Tripmaster and chronometer, automatic fire extinguisher and an ignition cut out switch. Four road wheels/tyres, four dirt wheels/tyres and a single spare wheel come with it. A regular participant in the Legend Boucles de Spa (2008-2010) this potentially most competitive historic rally car is offered with British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and current FIA and FIVA papers.

Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles d’exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams