Mini Cooper Classic and Mini Cooper S

Classic Mini Cooper Evoke Classics Online Classic Cars auction Buying Guides

Sarah Says

Surely I don't need to tell you how great these little Mini Cooper classic cars are?

Highlights

  • Mini Cooper Classics are fabulous. End of.
  • Easy to fix  - they do rust a little but fixing is it part of the fun
  • Easy to live with
  • Investors have pushed prices up but bargains are out there
  • Looking to buy? Check out our auction listings

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Alex Issigonis’ created the Mini. John Cooper, racing car driver, producer of Formula One racing cars and good friend of Issigonis, created the best ever Mini; the Mini Cooper classic.  

Mini Cooper Classic

The classic Mini was already a brilliant car and a brilliant success. John Cooper in partnership with BMC worked an alchemy on the Mini Cooper classic that has probably never been repeated. Without making the original Mini unrecognisable he transformed the classic Mini into a multi award winning sports car that was still accessible to people like us. 

On the basis that if ain’t broke don’t fix it, the bodywork he left pretty much untouched aside from some minor tweaks to things like the gear lever locations, extra drillings here & there and the brackets & pressing.  The interior trim on the Cooper’s was specific to the Cooper models, but it’s doubtful John Cooper had much to do with that. 

John Cooper’s expertise was in making cars handle well and go quickly. His attention focused on the mechanicals and the engine.

Engine and Mechanicals

The standard Mini had a single SU carb. Out that went and in came twin SU’s. To help the car dispel all the extra fuel it now gulped, a 3 into 1 exhaust was fitted. Disc brakes were added, slightly different sizes depending on whether it was a Mini Cooper classic or Mini Cooper S classic. Given the passage of time, it’s common to find mods have been made in this area. Strengthened steering arms were fitted to help the already great handling. The handling dept was also helped with beefed-up steel wheel rims with vent holes for cooling the bigger brakes. Twin fuel tanks were an option. Lot’s of aficionados get into heated debates about fuel takes. Don’t worry because it doesn’t matter.  

What matters is the engine. Over a short life-span of the Mini Cooper classic/S the engine types varied and can be a touch confusing. Again, don’t get too hung-up, they are all simply great, great engines. The engine size ranges from 970cc -1275cc. All of them are wonderful. Big debates are had about steel cranks, tappet chests, long stroke versus short stroke, 11 stud versus….well the detail is endless. (We’ll be the first in the car for an 11 stud with a long stroke, but…). The thing to bear in mind is not the tiny detail (unless you’re really in to that and if you are, as always, we can help) but the sheer joy you’ll get from not just owing a classic Mini, but a classic Mini Cooper. #UndilutedHappiness. 

Summary

If you can, buy a classic Mini Cooper. There's really nothing more to say! 

What's it like to own a classic Mini Cooper? Read more HERE

 

 

 

 

 

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