Homologation Mini Cooper 970S could fetch £50,000

A 1964 Mini Cooper 970S is up for sale. The homologation special was created to allow the Cooper to qualify for the under-1000cc category in racing and rallying. Just 963 were made between 1964 and 1965 (badged as either Austin or Morris), making this an unusual lot.

With engine and chassis numbers matching logbook records and an extensive history file including homologation papers, heritage certificate, 2004 FIA Historic Technical Passport and MoT certificates, car is estimated to sell for between £43,000 and £50,000.

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

The Mini is said to be in excellent condition, having completed 3000 miles under its current ownership during the past 15 years. It’s been kept in a heated garage along with the vendor’s historic motor vehicle collection. The exterior is finished in Tweed Grey with an Old English White roof, finished with leather bonnet straps, Cibie spot lights, reversing lamp, and two Monza filler caps (originals also included).

The engine has been uprated by renowned North Yorkshire motorsport experts AMAC Engineering and now features a 649 camshaft, baffled sump and lightened flywheel to produce a free revving unit up to 7500rpm with 95bhp at the flywheel.

An alloy sump guard protects from underneath along with aeroquip brake pipes, and the suspension has been upgraded with a negative camber front setup, all finished off with an iconic set of Minilite wheels, including the spare. The authentic look is completed with FIA specification wheelarches, and under the bonnet there’s a further light with switch and an upgraded oil cooler and radiator.

The interior also lives up to its Cooper S sporting heritage with a range of features including a full Safety Devices (removable) bolted in rollcage, a Works specification dash with rev counter, retro trip meter, watches and a plug for a Don Barrow ‘potty’ map magnifier. Other period touches include a map light and spot light on the roll cage, Newton Commercial bucket seats, fire extinguisher and a Moto-Lita leather steering wheel. The original seats and steering wheel are included in the sale.

To find out more about the Mini Cooper 970 S and the Silverstone Auctions Classic Sale please visit: silverstoneauctions.com.