MINI COOPER S MK II/MK III

2-door 4-seater saloon.

The best of all Minis, no question, with torquey 76bhp engine, close-ratio gears, and equipment including twin tanks, engine oil cooler and special drive shafts. Reclining seats on some cars too, but only basic instrumentation. 'Wet' suspension to the end, though many have retrospectively been converted to 'dry'. Austins and Morrises as Mk II, but 'Mini' only from early '70 in wind-up window Mk III guise. Nicer than other Minis if only for wide wheels and tyres, more sporty handling and undoubted sporting heritage. The Cooper S vogue advances apace nowadays, though prices are still reasonable.