1965 Mini Cooper S Mk1

If Alec Issigonis' revolutionary Mini introduced the world to a new breed of small car in 1959, it was John Cooper who created what is arguably the founding father of today's hot hatches- the Mini Cooper “S”.

Totally engaging and never, ever boring the “S” nomenclature essentially denotes more power, better brakes and stronger engine components like a nitrided steel crankshaft. Not only made famous from an incredible four rally wins in Monte Carlo from 1964 through to 1967, the Mini Cooper S was also used by the police in the UK and here in Australia as a high-speed pursuit vehicle.

Today, finding a genuine and very original Mini Cooper S isn’t easy as the ravages of time have more often than not taken their toll and modifying trends have come and gone. Narrowing the search even further to find a well maintained, Australian complied example is nigh on impossible but that’s exactly what we’ve been waiting on tender hooks to discover.

Uniquely available here is a brilliant, Australian delivered Mini Cooper S presented in its original Toga White top over British Racing Green paintwork and Black trim. September 1965 marked the introduction of Australia's own Cooper S, imported by BMC in CKD (Complete Knocked Down) form, and assembled using local components to our very own and arguably improved specification with wind up windows, pivoting quarter light's and Hydrolastic Suspension and this particular Cooper S is just the 21st car to roll of the Australian production line.

Retaining its original and key Cooper S identifying features from the body number stamped into the original radiator shroud, its original 10-inch Silver Birch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, stainless steel overriders and corner 'nerf bars', twin fuel tanks and 120mph speedometer with corresponding temperature and oil pressure gauges this Mini Cooper S is quite original.

Outside, the car presents with an authentic patina. A few marks here and there illustrate that this is most definitely a driver’s car to be experienced and enjoyed threading through winding weekend roads, exactly as John Cooper intended. But the originality and provenance of being an Australian issued model will help it retain its ever increasing value.

Stepping through the pint sized door apertures reveals the original driver holding seats and enough room for 4, neatly finished vinyl and chrome dash trim, a full complement of correct and crystal clear instruments, the correct and well fitted carpets, as well as a very early John Cooper S Moto-Lita timber steering wheel and the overall feeling is fresh and sporty.

A lot of the fine distinctions point to a well-preserved car and a short stint behind the wheel emphasises the rifle like gear changes, fast and well-balanced steering feel and sharp throttle response synonymous with the Cooper S badge.

One of the best driver’s cars ever produced and still so usable today, hard to find and made even more special with local assembly and Australian specification this very original Mini Cooper S is something quite collectable.

Arguably more engaging than any modern hot hatch, because sometimes, it’s much more fun to drive a (relatively) slow car fast than a fast car slow and a must have for any driving enthusiast, this Australian delivered Mini Cooper S offers a unique opportunity to own, drive and invest in a slice of motoring history as values and interest continue to skyrocket around the world for the best examples.