Morris Mini-Cooper 1071 S

Morris Mini-Cooper 1071 S – Genuine MK1 Cooper 1071 ‘S’ professionally adapted for racing in 2009 in preparation for the St Mary’s race at Goodwood, when it was driven by Indy 500-winner, Bobby Rahal.

On offer here is an interesting example of an original, right-hand drive, home-market supplied Mk.1 Morris Mini Cooper 1071 ‘S’ built on 5th March 1964 and sold through Morris Garages Ltd. of Oxford. Having been in the same family for some 26 years, the decision was taken to have the car professionally built to a full race FIA spec at a not inconsiderable expense. This decision was prompted by an announcement from Goodwood that the 2009 St Mary’s Trophy two-driver race would be run exclusively for Mini Coopers in celebration of the Mini’s 50th Birthday. The normal format is that there are two separate races over two days with the first part usually involving motorsport celebrities and the Sunday race for the cars owners. We have no idea who may have been asked to share the drive, but the Saturday seat was offered to multiple CART Champion and 1986 Indy-winner, Bobby Rahal. Front-wheel drive Mini Coopers don’t seem to appear anywhere on Mr Rahal’s CV, however, he managed to finish Saturday’s race in a respectable 13th ahead of some talented drivers including Jochen Mass, Warwick Banks, Vern Schuppan, Andy Rouse, Tiff Needell, John Cleland and Stephan Johansson. Following this race, the car has seen little use and remains in good condition.

8007 ET is powered by one of Swiftune’s legendary 1293 cc engines and includes a Tuftrided crank, race pistons, Stage 3 head, lightened and balanced flywheel, and twin HS4 carburettors. Additionally, to keep temperatures under control, it benefits from an oil cooler accompanied by a wide radiator coupled with a multiblade fan. The gearbox is a close-ratio, four-speed coupled to a competition diff and clutch. Handling of this nimble little car is controlled by Hi-Lo adjustable suspension and braking by way of ‘S’ discs and calipers up front and Minifins to the rear. It is fitted with a full roll-cage, internally routed brake lines, heated front screen, plumbed-in fire extinguisher and genuine Vortz ‘rose petal’ wheels. Supplied with the accompanying registration number of 8007 ET, a history file including restoration/build photographs, MOTs dating back to 1976, numerous invoices and a copy of the Mini World article where it was featured as the cover car in June 1996.

There can’t be many racing drivers who, with the appropriate equipment and adequate funds, wouldn’t relish trawling through a list of motorsport personalities, Le Mans and Grand Prix drivers, in order to negotiate a shared drive in the St Mary’s, and spending time on the grid and the Paddock Club with some great names. Well, the opportunity is here.