Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer has got his hands on John Cooper’s Mini Cooper S. John’s personal car, this special Mini has been recommissioned and is now up for sale.
This very special Mini Cooper S, owned by none other than John Cooper himself, was recently bought by Mike Brewer, so it’s no surprise that the car has already received plenty of interest.
Mike discovered the car in the US where it was being sold by the sons of the late owner, Phil Reed. “It was part of Phil’s collection and as soon as I saw the registration number I knew there was something very special about it. It was a really exciting moment when I found out that it had been John Cooper’s personal car.”
© Gerard HughesPhil had bought the car from John Cooper Garages in Brighton, and there’s certainly no doubting the Mini’s provenance. As well as the original documentation there is a cheque bearing John Cooper’s signature, and with the help of Mini expert, Andy ‘Ace’ Harrison, it was possible to confirm with John’s son, Mike Cooper, that it was indeed his father’s car.
A 1967 Mk II Cooper S, it’s fitted with the 1275cc A-Series engine fuelled by twin SU carburettors. Painted in Almond Green with a white roof, the car sports Minilite-style wheels that were fitted at the time of Phil’s purchase along with wing mirrors that were required by California law. Mike has yet to decide whether those mirrors will remain, but has confirmed that the original steel wheels that came with the car will be refurbished before being refitted.
© Gerard HughesThere’s one other job that Mike plans to do, which is to refit the chrome wheel arch trims, but otherwise the exterior remains in superbly original condition, as does the cabin which boasts factory-fitted reclining seats.
So why is such a special example up for sale? Mike explains: “Anyone who’s been following the story of my car collection over the years will know that I already own a Cooper S – ‘Frankie’ – which is painted in the same Almond Green. I love it and it’s definitely a keeper, and as I don’t really need another one I’ll sadly have to part with this car. It’s an important part of the Mini Cooper story, and deserves to be cherished in a collection somewhere.”
© Gerard HughesYou can read more about the car in the June issue of Mini Magazine, but in the meantime, Mike is looking for a buyer for the Mini as the Cooper celebrates its 60th anniversary. You might just want to keep your cheque book handy…
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