If you have never driven an original Mini, you have missed out on one of life’s great motoring pleasures. They are tiny and, thanks to their low center of gravity, they are as close as you can get to a road-legal go-kart. This 1961 Austin Mini is a desirable Cooper model that runs and drives well. It has spent most of its life in a dry climate, protecting it from the rust issues that often plague these classics. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting this diamond in the rough listed here on Craigslist in Vancouver, Washington. With an asking price of $14,400, it would serve as an excellent foundation for a first restoration project.
British Motor Corporation released the Mini, wearing both Austin and Morris badges, in 1959. The creation of Alec Issigonis effectively rewrote the rules of packaging efficiency. The transversely-mounted four-cylinder engine and integrated transmission occupied a relatively small area, allowing space to accommodate four adults in a vehicle that was barely more than ten feet long. A collaboration between Issigonis’ friend and racing guru John Cooper resulted in the release of the Cooper variant in late 1961, and our feature car is one of those vehicles. Its history is unclear, although the seller states that it spent most of its life in California. Therefore, its rust-free status is unsurprising. Its Black and Gold color combination is eye-catching, but the paint shows its age. The car is begging for a cosmetic refresh, but with so little metal to massage as part of that process, it would be an ideal candidate for anyone wishing to be hands-on. The biggest obstacle facing the buyer is the aftermarket glass sunroof, with the installer cutting a large hole to fit it. There is no evidence of water leaks, suggesting that the seals are okay. Therefore, leaving it in place should be viable if the new owner doesn’t want to undertake welding in new steel. Some trim pieces may require a trip to the platers to present at their best, and I’m not a fan of the wheels. I am a traditionalist, feeling that if aftermarket wheels are deemed necessary, Minilites are the best choice.
The seller supplies no engine photos, which is disappointing since the listing text raises a question about the car’s specifications. BMC enlarged the standard Mini-Minor’s 848cc four to 997cc when it created the Cooper, and by also adding twin SU carburetors, the power output jumped from 34hp to 55hp. This feeds to the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, and while the power figure sounds modest, the fact that a Cooper only weighs around 1,330 lbs means that they offer surprising performance. They are extraordinarily nimble cars, with this factor helping to explain why such a tiny vehicle could achieve considerable motorsport success. The seller states that this classic runs and drives well, and that there is a shiny new radiator sitting in the trunk. The biggest question hangs over the engine because the seller states that they recently rebuilt the carburetor. It is the singular that left me scratching my head, because it suggests that the twin carbs may no longer be in situ. It would be worth contacting the seller to clarify this point, although sourcing a correct pair if that proves to be the case won’t be hard.
One aspect of this Cooper needing little work is the interior. The dash timber exhibits deterioration on the passenger side, although this is an isolated spot that might be repairable. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from major problems, and the carpet is clean. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and the car retains what appears to be its correct timber shifter knob.
This 1961 Austin Mini Cooper is an absolute gem, and returning its panels and paint to a pristine state would be a fairly straightforward undertaking. Once complete, the new owner could slip behind the wheel of a car that is absolutely joyous to own and drive. The price falls within the affordable category, especially considering how little it would take to have this British classic present beautifully. It has only been on the market for a few hours, and I won’t be surprised if this Cooper finds a new home fairly quickly. Are you tempted to make it yours?
With back seats, so it can hold 4 clowns.
I was lucky enough to be in a 62 Mini when I was a teenager. It was fun getting in and seeing those sliding windows blew my mind. And getting a chance to slip behind the wheel and take it for a spin. That was a trip. To pull up next to a 18 wheeler it felt like I was in matchbox car! Yes it was fun to drive and those tight turns where unbelievable on the street. This brought back many memories. Adam thanks for the write up!😃 This black one for sale looks like it was done by a rattle can! And no pictures of the engine? Does it come with one!! Or is that extra 🤔! Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇲
I never saw an interior before. Is that another glovebox in front of the steering wheel?
Yes.
I am 6-3 and drove them for years. Very cool.
As the article says, driving one of these fast is like driving a fast go-cart. I drove my friends Countryman with a 1275 back home on a dark rainy Sunday night from a car meet and we had to get home fast. I was doing 80-85 on the highway and it was white-knuckle time! (British wipers don’t really help, thank God for Rain-X!!) Being that close to the ground felt just as fast as another car doing 120! ( the fastest speed I ever drove) It was quite a rush!! I could feel the car actually pushing down to the pavement and it tracked great at that higher speed!
I had one of these when I was stationed in Germany. One winters night 4 of us were out bar hopping, it had been snowing and we slid off the road. We got out and picked it up and put it back on the road. These pics bring back a lot of memories.
This needs closer inspection especially underneath as its a unibody with subframes and rot can be a serious issue.I thought only Copper S’s came with dual fuel tanks..if this is indeed an S its worth more than a Cooper..or has one tank been added..like the wooden dash and wheels etc?Worth a closer,much closer, look…
Come on Adam, you can’t tell a Mini history lesson without giving a little space to Paddy Hopkirk. The British rally driver who taught us about reverse spins, handbrake turns, left foot braking/turning etc. Well handling front wheel drive cars are a blast to do/play doing these things.
If any of these things sound foreign to you. Just ask and I will explain.
Looks like fun! Don’t know quite what I’d DO with it; but you almost never see an original Mini. Memories-memories. A Morris Minor, anyone?
Need to see the chassis and engine numbers as there are just too many details wrong with this for it to be a genuine Cooper. Front doors lack chrome surround, standard Austin 850 grille, not Morris or Cooper. Looks like the wrong wheels are also bolted up against drum brakes on the front, when the Cooper had front discs as part of the performance upgrade over a standard 850. The gearstick is correctly placed, but could just be a later addition.
Not all Coopers had discs; there were different wheels (with round holes rather than slots). Disc ones had a protruding centre, drum ones didn’t. Both took 160*/70 x 10 tyres; my last one had offset Yokohamas on it which were ace.
*165?
If you think a Mini handles like a Go Kart try a Mini Moke..
I just sold my Spec Racer. Now that handled like a go cart!
In 1966, I bought a Morris Mini ( with the 848cc engine). It had a leaking gas tank and i bought it for less than a song ($50 comes to mind), It was an absolute joy to drive, including in the snows of New England. By the time school ended, I had also bought a SAAB 93 2-stroke, so I gave it to a friend who wanted to race it. In later years, I have looked at others to buy, but they were always too pricey for me.
I am a big Mini fan. And if you are truly a Mini fan. Then you have copies of the movie The Italian Job. (With Michael Cain) it is a huge chase scene with original Minis that is easily 70% of the movie. (I saw it at the movie theater in 1969 or 70?) The current issue of The Italian Job is fun too, although not in the same caliber as the original. (In my opinion)
I’ve always wanted to drive a real Mini. It doesn’t have to be a Cooper, although I think it would be more fun. It’s always been a bucket list item of mine. I liked the original The Italian Job movie from 1969 with the different Minis in different colors. I know its a basic car at heart, but look at the lines and the design. They have a nice style to them. Would I drive one on Route 80 next to tractor trailers? Nope… But the twisty curvy hilly two lane roads would most likely be a blast.