1965 Austin Mini "Cooper S Café Racer"

We are delighted to be offering for sale a one of a kind Mini. Taking inspiration perhaps from the café racer scene, our seller spent a considerable amount of time and money creating something very special.

But let’s go back to the beginning. The car began life in 1965 as a plain Mini 850 and was no doubt enjoyed by a plethora of owners. Fast forward to the 1990s and the car’s then owner decided the car needed some attention. With a relative that worked at the Longbridge plant, a brand-new shell was purchased and a larger 1275 cc engine was fitted from a Metro.

That rather oversimplifies the work done as we are told the car was returned to as new condition. The then owner’s wife used the car to drive to and from work in it, but never in the wet.

She eventually tired of the restrictions on its use which is how it came to be sold on and ended up in the capable hands of our seller.

Although still in excellent order, he had the idea to create a retro style rally car, something truly unique, and if you have already looked through the pictures, you will agree that he certainly succeeded.

The car was treated to a bare metal respray, but that was just the start. The project snowballed with the creation of a bespoke interior and a raft of performance upgrades. Nothing was left untouched in the desire for speed and being the perfectionist, everything was done to the very highest of standards.

By 2013 the car was ready for some new challenges and our seller was a great fan of autosolos. In October of that year, he was the overall winner at the Goodwood event and in the following three years, he regularly came first in class at the famous circuit.

In recent times, Goodwood decided to change the classes, forcing the car to now compete with supercharged competition and so the car has been retired from active motorsport duties.

It has since been used for local running around and our seller feels that the time is now right to let someone else enjoy his lovely creation. And that lucky person could be you!

Being the perfectionist, our seller decided that in order to create his ideal car, the already immaculate body shell should be stripped right back and repainted to his exacting requirements.

All we can say is that the maroon paintwork absolutely pops! The black contrasting roof is a nice touch too. It is a testament to the sprayer that the car still looks fab, with just the odd tiny mark visible if you look hard enough.

Genuine GB Minilite wheels are fitted, and each comes adorned with a premium Yokohama tyre, with plenty of tread on each. We always like to see good tyres, pointing as it does to careful and considered classic car ownership.

It is worth taking time to look at the car’s exterior in detail, as there are some delightful period touches.

Twin chrome door mirrors, Cosmic wheel arches, leather straps on the quick release bonnet and lots and lots of shiny chrome. This Mini is a head turner and make no mistake.

Here our seller really went to town in his pursuit of his ideal Mini. The front seats are Cooper s high back recliners with red piping which were specially commissioned and are just one of the standout features and the front pews are in excellent order. We do note a mark on the rear seat cushion base.

A bespoke fabricated dashboard was created too and do note the timing gear fitted in front of the passenger. Quite delightful and also with a purpose too if auto sport is your game. There is also aircraft style navigation lighting fitted.

The central Mini speedometer (which is a correct Cooper S unit) remains, but in front of the driver you will note a series of extra instruments such as an all-important rev counter.

Ahead of the driver now sits a heated windscreen, so no misting up when you’re trying to attack that next apex in the drizzle…

Carpets, mats and headlining were all redone by our seller during his rebuild.

Also note the pull chords for door opening and the sliding front windows, simple, effective and makes us nostalgic for times gone by.

It will come as no surprise that our seller did not leave that 1275cc engine alone. It now sports the high lift roller rockers and a Kent camshaft. Twin Weber carburettors help it to breathe. The carbs breathe through a 7 port head which came from MED. The vendor states that the 7 port flows nearly as well as the 8 port but has the advantage of being able to use the normal 3 pipe header branch. With an 8 port you have to fabricate your own header. They both deliver amazing low down torque.

Our seller tells us that the Mini starts on the button, idles smoothly and delivers its power in a smooth and eager manner.

The Mini is also fitted with a Quaife automatic torque biasing differential, a well proven product, British made, highly durable and used worldwide in rallying, sprinting and circuit racing.

Also fitted to the car is a quick ratio steering rack.

Trick suspension includes adjustable coilovers front and rear, as well as a KAD alloy rear beam axle.

The engine compartment itself is a work of art, something to gaze upon and marvel at its beauty. The detailing is a delight.

Looking underneath the car, we note places where the underseal is wearing away, so we would be inclined to get it up on ramps, clean it all and reapply copious amounts of waxoyl, especially if the car is going to be used all year round.

Whilst you are there, you can take in the lovely suspension and the stainless-steel exhaust.

This is a car that has been rebuilt twice in its 56-year life. Most relevant of course is the more recent of the two carried out by our seller back in 2012/13.

A bare metal respray, bespoke new interior, engine and suspension upgrades, we could go on. The very best quality new components were selected at each stage of the rebuild, ensuring longevity and reliability.

There is a vast array of paperwork with the car which we have photographed for your delectation. Make a brew, take a pew, and have a read to fully understand the lengths and breadths our seller went to in order to create his ideal Mini.

You will also note that the car’s odometer reads just 620 miles, this being the mileage covered since the last rebuild. Barely run in we would say…

It should also be noted that the car was taken in October 2019 for a full health check. The engine was tuned to perfection, chassis given the once over, grease points lubricated etc….

One man’s dream Mini, a labour of love, is now up for grabs. It would make an eye-catching road car and is civilised enough to use as an everyday driver. It is also set up for historic racing and rallying, the choice is yours.

At this point we should also mention David Brown Automotive. This company has created its own ‘Mini Remastered’ cars, also inspired by the café racers. Limited numbers and prices to make your eyes water – from £75,000 to over £100,000 if you get carried away.

The Mini we have for sale stands favourable comparison with these and we estimate will sell for between £25,000 and £32,000.

Maximum pleasure for ‘Mini’mum outlay we say.

Viewing is always encouraged and this car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’