1966 Morris Mini Cooper S Mk1

Description

• Part of The Wells Collection
• Peter O’Toole’s Cooper S
• Built to O’Toole’s own, unique specification
• Stored for 26 years
• Full bare metal restoration back to the original specification
• Just 62,200 miles

The Mini Cooper S was the hottest property in motoring in 1966. It looked the part and did more to democratise fast, fun driving than any other car. It’s prowess on the road was backed up by its performance on race tracks and rally stages.

Early in ’66, all three works Minis were infamously disqualified from the Monte Carlo Rally on a technicality after the event, denying the Cooper a third straight win. But it went on to claim seven outright international rally victories in ’66, adding to what was already a huge tally of wins. There was enormous success on circuits, as well, the Mini Cooper S regularly mixing it with and besting Lotus Cortinas and Mustangs at the front of touring car races across the globe.

Motorsport success, a riotous driving experience, a chic image – it all added up to make the Mini Cooper S the car to have in the Swinging Sixties.

Especially if you at the heart of the action, like actor Peter O’Toole.

Background

It was, perhaps, inevitable that O’Toole would join the likes of Peter Sellers, Twiggy and all four of The Beatles in getting a Mini Cooper S

In December 1966 he did exactly that, collecting the Morris-badged car you see here. Bought from London BMC dealer S&H, O’Toole drove his Cooper S in London for many years but it was eventually laid up in his personal garage where it sat for 26 years.

Our vendor was contacted by O’Toole and asked to restore the car but, in 2013, the actor died before work had started. The vendor was subsequently able to buy the car from O’Toole’s estate and set about the restoration, returning it to its original condition. The vendor proudly notes: “I am sure he would have approved of the complete restoration of the car I have done.”

Exterior

Of course, O’Toole couldn’t possibly settle for any old off-the-shelf Mini, so he ordered his with many special features, a lot of them not available from the BMC catalogue. Those features start with the stunning British Racing Green paintwork, chosen from the Jaguar colour chart. It also has desirable original Cosmic wheels; spot lights fitted to the bumper overriders; wing mirrors; automatic reversing light, and heated rear windscreen. At some point in the car’s life, it was also fitted with additional indicator flashers in the front wings.

All these features were retained in the restoration and the bodywork is now in fantastic, rust-free condition, with gleaming brightwork.

Interior

O’Toole ordered yet more extras for the Mini’s interior. These include Carob seat covers with the back seats coloured black to match the fronts; retractable seat belts; centre console; tachometer and amp meter; indicators, dip switch, headlight flasher and horn integrated into one unit; front and rear cigarette lighters plus SPQR ashtrays and extra pockets in the door bins. There’s also a pocket watch that O’Toole had fitted to the right-hand side of the dashboard.

Again, all these features were preserved in the restoration and the interior is in wonderful condition.

Engine

The car also went back to supplying dealer S&H in 1967 to be upgraded with an all-synchromesh gearbox and a sump guard was fitted when new, to protect the underside from London’s speedhumps and kerbs. It’s also worth noting that, being a ’66 model, this example has the twin fuel tanks that became standard fit on the Cooper S that year.

Our view

This car stands up in its own right. It is a rare opportunity to own a virtually concours standard Morris Mini Cooper 1275 S

Now, added to that it was owned by one of the best English actors of the cinema age.

O’Toole was an A-lister and mixed with other A-listers of his time. The Cooper S was well known at all the best London venues. We can only imagine the other celebrities that could have travelled in this car with O’Toole, as well. Richard Harris, Omar Sharif, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Sellers, Princess Margaret – O’Toole was friends with them all.

So, we have entire package. A genuine, low mileage Cooper S in amazing condition. A sixties A-lister as a known owner with photographic evidence of him with the car. Fully sorted and ready to drive, show or be added to a collection as a secure investment.

A well looked after Cooper S in very good condition sells at around £40k mark, give or take. Add in some sixties A-Lister provenance and they jump to another level.

A couple of recent examples include.

• Paul McCartney’s Cooper – sold, £183,000
• Ringo Starr’s Cooper – sold, £102,000

Our vendor is downsizing his collection and is lot more realistic.

Included in the sale is a comprehensive history file and photographic record of the car’s extensive restoration. It even comes with a leather briefcase that O’Toole kept his scripts in while he was working.

Vehicle Location: West Wales – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

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