This all-original Mini could be worth £50k

A pared-back motor in pristine condition

When the Mini launched in the ‘50s, it was the definition of egalitarian motoring: a small, economical machine with a sparse cabin and lively handling.

It might come as a surprise, then, to learn that a 1965 Morris Mini Cooper – albeit a rare 970 ‘S’ variant – is set to fetch upwards of £50,000 at auction next month.

Bonhams’ Festival of Speed sale takes place on 13 July and the all-original Mini could well become one of its surprise stars.

With an upper estimate of £60,000, this diminutive lot is definitely one to watch. Here's its story.

Compact package

The original Morris Mini was released in the late-’50s. An exercise in packaging brilliance, a surprising amount of nifty engineering went into its 4ft 7in-wide body, from rubber suspension to a gearbox mounted in the sump to save space.

Handles like a dream

Even in its most basic form, the pocket-size car was great fun to drive, with zippy steering that could make even the slowest of roads fun.

With no body roll and fantastic handling, the lack of power was soon forgotten. That you could almost park it sideways in a standard parking bay only added to the appeal.

Bigger vision

Where many saw Alec Issigonis’ now-iconic car as nothing more than an urban runaround, one John Cooper had grander ideas for this symbol of the 1960s.

An established builder of race and rally cars, Cooper was already running BMC’s Formula Junior effort in the ‘60s, so he was familiar with the A-series engine that now sat in the Mini.

Convincing potential

One test drive in the Mini and Cooper was convinced of its potential as a competition car – even if Issigonis wasn’t.

After some persuasion, Cooper got his wish, and in 1961 the world met the first Cooper-tuned Mini – a vehicle that retained those minuscule dimensions, added power and kept the price surprisingly low.

Mini but mighty

Before long, race-tuned Coopers – with a power output of some 55bhp – were sweeping to victories across race tracks and rally stages, with a Mini Cooper notably winning the 1962 British Saloon Car Championship in the hands of John Love.

Limited run

Then, in 1963, came the ‘S’ variant. Developed alongside Cooper’s initial effort, it was available with five engine sizes, including a 970cc unit specifically designed to tackle 1000cc circuit racing.

It received a mixed reception, but just enough were made to satisfy homologation regulations before production ceased.

Rare original

Many of those that were made later had their engines switched out in favour of more powerful units, making examples with original engines rarer still.

Only 482 were built with the 970cc block in the first place – and this green-grey number, registration CBK 99C, is one of them.

Lovingly presented

A later 1965 example, CBK 99C is in fantastic condition. Besides carrying its original engine, it has benefitted from a mechanical and cosmetic restoration that brought it up to an unrivalled standard.

If you want a Cooper for concours, this is the one.

Just like new

Bought by the current owner in March 2017, almost everything about CBK 99C is fully original, from its cylinder block and gearbox to its pristine interior. 

In fact the steering wheel is about the only thing that has been changed.

Ageing well

It might be more than 50 years old, but the Mini remains a true icon of British motoring history – and never more so than in its Cooper guise. From the 10-inch wheels to the uprated engine, it’s a vision of pared-back performance.

Hidden value

Bags of fun to this day, mid-’60s Mini Coopers are as pure and simple as they come – and it’s rare to find an example that's in both tip-top condition and with so many original features. Fastidiously restored, its understated shell belies the value that exists in this plucky runner.

Worth caring for

So, if £50,000 sounds like a lot for a car designed to be basic, it’s worth remembering the age-old adage: they don’t make ‘em like they used to. And they rarely keep them this well, either.

Top of the lots

According to Hagerty, the average price of a ‘65 Mini Cooper 970 S is £23,400, so you can certainly pick one up for less than this.

However if you want one of the finest Minis around, look no further than the Bonhams’ auction at Goodwood on 13 July.