Rare homologation Mini offered at Silverstone Classic sale

| 27 Jun 2017

An excellent example of the very rare 970cc 1964 Mini Cooper S homologation special will be a star at the upcoming Silverstone Classic auction. The matching numbers car will be going under the hammer at the Silverstone Classic on 29-30 July.

With matching engine and chassis numbers, comprehensive logbook records and an extensive history file, the Mini is expected to sell for between £43,000 and £50,000.

The rare 970cc example was created to enable the Mini Cooper S to qualify for the under 1000cc category in both racing and rallying. Fewer than 1000 were ever built, making this one of the rarest of all Mini Cooper S variants.

The Mini is described as being in superb condition having only covered 3000 miles in the past 15 years and being stored in a heated garage throughout that time. It boasts an AMAC Engineering-tuned engine with 649 camshaft, baffled sump and lightened flywheel, helping the free-revving unit to 95bhp: a true pocket rocket.

It’s not only the engine that will make get Mini fans excited: both the interior and exterior of the car appear in fine condition. The car is finished in Tweed Grey with an Old English White roof, enhanced by tastefully placed leather bonnet straps, Cibie spot lights, reversing lamp, two Monza filler caps and a set of Minilite wheels, which help to give the car a period-correct look. 

The modified interior benefits from a full Safety Devices removable bolted in roll cage and a works specification dash with rev counter complemented by a leather Moto-Lita steering wheel, though the original seats and steering wheel will be included in the sale. 

"This is a rare and very collectible car," says Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions. "This represents the rarest Cooper S of all time so an original car like this with matching numbers throughout is extraordinary."