Austin released the original Mini as affordable and economical transport, but it eventually became a giant killer in motorsport. With international rally success and a clean sweep of the first nine places in Australia’s 1966 Bathurst 500, it proved to be an effective weapon in almost all circumstances. This 1964 Cooper S Mk I is part of a larger collection that is set to find a new home. All are pint-sized Brits, but they are also promising candidates for project builds. Prices vary across the range, but you will find the collection listed here on Craigslist in Ventura, California.
The history of this Cooper S is unclear, but it could be a car deserving deeper investigation. The seller received information from a previous UK owner, claiming that it has links to the Monte Carlo Rally. The information is vague, but with the VIN in hand, the new owner might be able to uncover the truth. The seller purchased the vehicle around thirty-five years ago, and it has been in storage ever since. Its dry location and the favorable storage environment mean it might have survived with little or no penetrating rust. The paint shows its age, but its condition could allow the buyer to opt for preservation over restoration if research confirms that it is a significant slice of motorsport history. It carries the external features of a period-correct rally car, including the wider steel wheels, additional lights, and the roof rack which typically accommodated spare wheels, fuel cans, and other sundry items.
The mechanical information supplied by the seller is slightly vague, but what we should be looking at is a 1,071cc four that produced 70hp and 62 ft/lbs of torque when it rolled off the line. We know that the cylinder head carries the casting mark for a “big valve” Mark 1 Cooper S, along with the correct SU carburetors. Interestingly, the hallmarks of potential factory rally links are easy to spot. These include fuel and brake lines that are routed through the cabin for protection, dual fuel tanks, and dual pumps. The interior features reclining rally seats, a three-point roll bar, and a range of additional switches, lights, and gauges. The Cooper S appears complete, and while the seller set their price at $20,000, they are willing to negotiate. It could be an excellent buy at that price if its international rally pedigree is confirmed.
Some enthusiasts love Minis, but the rally example may not tick the boxes for them. If you feel that way, this bodyshell could represent the first step in creating the road-going classic of your dreams. It is rock-solid, with no rust or other nasty surprises awaiting the buyer. The seller admits the trunk floor requires attention, but includes the new steel for the buyer to install. The deal also includes rust-free doors, a hood, and a trunk lid. The body is setup for twin tanks and a remote shifter, making it an ideal base for a Cooper S tribute. Originally priced at $10,000, the seller has slashed that figure to $7,500.
If you purchase the bare shell as a project build but don’t have any mechanical components, the seller has you covered. He has a 1,275cc engine, transmission, axles, disc brake assemblies, radiator, exhaust manifold, steering rack, external oil cooler, twin SU carburetors, and remote shifter assembly. Everything is mounted on a correct subframe for easy installation. The engine has been in dry storage for many years but was in good health when removed from the donor race car. The seller indicates that everything will require inspection before being pressed into service, although the visual indications are positive. Originally offered for $5,000, the price reduction to $3,500 for the entire drivetrain looks like a bargain. However, the seller is open to negotiating a package deal for the bodyshell and mechanical components, or any combination of cars and parts within the collection.
Originally designed as an unsuccessful contender for military use, the Moke eventually saw active service as a cheap and cheerful commuter or weekend recreational vehicle. Powered by an 850cc four producing 34hp, this one features front disc brakes and updated 12″ alloy wheels that would improve handling and braking efficiency. It runs and drives, making it a turnkey proposition. The seller describes it as presentable, indicating that it would benefit from some TLC and a cosmetic refresh. This is another classic with a reduced price, dropping from $15,000 to $14,500. It would look right at home cruising the beachfront on a sunny summer day.
This collection of British classics seems to contain something for everyone. Those with a passion for vintage racing machinery could restore the Cooper S to its former glory, while the bodyshell and mechanical components could allow the right person to create the Mini of their dreams. However, if your focus is on pure fun, it would be hard to ignore the Moke. The world could be your oyster, but could you stop at owning only one of these classics?
The Mini has 1970s tail lights.
I dont think the Moke is a 64..it has the gas filler on the side,not the top like early Mokes,looks like it should have double wipers, not one like early Mokes and the rear lights etc are most certainly not early Moke.All that said, if this is rust free and the seller can find the title I’d love to have it.To me Mokes ( like the 65 I had) are make to be personalised and modified.
Hmmmm. Maybe its just me, but when the lead-in photo clearly shows later model taillights than a 1964 should have, I begin to doubt the rest of the listing. It may indeed have Monte Carlo history, but I suspect it was simply driven there by a spectator!
best,
bt
It doesn’t have the little nerf bars on the bumpers that the ‘S’ had. I would have to investigate further to be more certain!
It would be nice to know what years these are, especially the Moke. Maybe it doesn’t matter with Minis(?) I’m not a huge fanboy of them, I had a 2009 Cooper S that was a blast.
“…All are pint-sized Brits,…” I DO see the vedub Myers-style copper colored buggy in there too.
I dont like this guy’s business model. Too similar to gul-wing acc from Manhattan. A lill different level (cooper S v MB) but same. “Yeah, U can buy the used here. Of course I can put it together for U before shipped…
Interesting combo of parts and cars.
The ‘rally’ car has early pre handle boss doors, bumpers w the holes for the corner bars, and self parking wipers…all correct for an early S or cooper.
The shell is a 59/60 with no drip rails or window pressings and looks in decent shape.
The Moke looks like an early Aus car, small wheel but with mudguards, def not an English or 60’s car.
These are my cars, and I was I was unaware that they were featured here on Barnfinds. I just came across this today. I’m a longtime fan of BF and somehow missed this story. How about sending a seller a courtesy notice to let them know that their cars are being featured? That would be very helpful for everyone as they can be involved in the discussion. I read the comments, and it would have been great to be able to clarify all of the misconceptions and incorrect details. I am currently selling off about half (15) vehicles from my long-term collection of classic cars and motorcycles. The Mini’s are just a small part of what I am selling. I have owned many of these for years (the Morris Cooper S rally car over 35 years!). I simply have way too many toys and have run out of space and time. Lots of tough decisions have been made to finally let go of many of my “keepers”. I resent any comparison to Gullwing. I am a true enthusiast, and these cars were bought years ago simply because I liked them. None of these were purchased with the idea of flipping them.
Tell us the tale of the Moke then…
The Moke is a Portuguese build with LHD, front discs, and 12″ wheels. I was told it was purchased from racer Pete Lovely’s family (pit runner?). This is the last car I bought but my wife quickly reminded me that I’m supposed to be downsizing. I drove it a couple of times, and then put it back on the market for what I paid for it.
The Morris Cooper S was purchased by me over 35 years ago, and I have kept it in dry storage the entire time. It is a very interesting period rally car – nothing has been changed or updated during my ownership. A previous owner added the MK2 tail lights, but this is a MK1 car.
The Mini shell is in fantastic condition. I have owned it and dry stored it alongside the Morris Cooper for about the same number of years. Bodywork was done and very straight and rust free. It is a 1960 MK1, but is set up for a remote shift trans and twin tanks.
The 1275 powertrain has been sold.
@mark_mitchell nice to have you on here clarifying the details
If our dollar didn’t suck so badly right now I’d be into the Moke – missing mine, 35yr owner, now gone for three years…
Best of luck w the sales.
My Moke is probably the cheapest running, driving, and presentable example available in the US currently. About the same price as a used fake Chinese electric Moke. Did you see this recent record auction price on a beautiful original Moke? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1966-austin-mini-moke-19/
@Mark_Mitchell: You seem to be heavy into the Mini community. Do you recall a person named Hrach Chekijian, or “Mister Mini” as he was known?
He was pretty well known in the world of Mini. In 2008, I bought a car from him when he was selling them at Mini of Peabody (MA). I got his name from an enthusiast forum. What a character! He had a panoramic picture of a Mini Meet on the wall and him and his Moke were on both ends! He would drive it to the other end of the line while the picture was being taken.
I will never, ever forget the test drive we went on. He saw me drive into the lot in my Audi S4, so he knew I was a serious driver. He used to be a BMW Driving School instructor and took me for a hell ride along Route 1 and 95. When it was my turn to drive, he keep pushing me to go faster and to wind around traffic. We were going 85 on the highway when he said “take this exit, now!” He then yelled for me to cut in front of a slow moving Subaru so that we could take the exit at full tilt.
So, yes, I ordered a red Cooper S with all of the sport ala carte add-ons.
What a ride, and what a guy! Here is an article that was posted in the great MC2 magazine upon his death. https://chekijian.com/HrachIssue30p24.pdf
@PRA4SNW Hrach was indeed a character! Met him at a few national mini meets in Denver in the 80’s / 90’s, he had a Moke as well, and made Moke jewelry, still have a Moke piece he made for my then wife. Had a presence, left an impression. Made the world a better place.
I have sold off everything here except for the Morris Cooper rally car. Open to offers! It is currently listed on the Mini Mania website.