1968 Morris 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, enter: The Mini Cooper “S”.

Totally engaging and never 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 built example is nigh on impossible but that’s exactly what we’ve been waiting on tender hooks to discover.

It was September 1965 which 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 a 1,275cc motor with twin SU’s, wind up windows, pivoting quarter light's and Hydrolastic Suspension.

Uniquely available here is an Australian built and numbers matching 1968 Morris Mini Cooper S MK1 presented in its original Snow White over a Burgundy Red roof and Red trim.

As per its original Passport to Service (supplied with the car) this Cooper S was sold new on the 17th of July 1968 by St Arnaurd Apex Service Station, Victoria to a Mr Albert Tucker and today is believed to have travelled an original 71,000 miles ever since.

The subject of a painstaking and meticulous restoration approximately 20 years ago to factory specification, this MK1 Mini Cooper S is one of the best we’ve seen.

This example still retains 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, oil pressure gauges, correct date stamped fuel pump, windscreen wiper motor and ignition coil.

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.