MORRIS MINI COOPER S
ENGINE 1275cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 75bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 79lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 99mph 0-60MPH 10.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 35-45mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed manual MoT December 2018 ODOMETER 69,670 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This Mini’s A-Series starts quickly and settles to an even idle, though you’ll need to deploy a trusty clothes peg on cold mornings because the choke cable won’t lock in position. First gear is a pain to find when cold, though this improves considerably once the car warms up – the freshly re-built gearbox might need a bit of bedding in. The car drives faultlessly, pulling strongly, riding as well as a Mini ever does and stopping with real power. The steering is straight under braking and there are no signs of overheating.
BODYWORK CHECK
There’s not so much as a tiny bubble on this Mini’s bodywork. The paintwork is generally excellent, with just some minor staining under the nearside petrol filler from fuel spillages. Things are similarly top-drawer underneath. The grille and most of the chrome are very good, though the rear side window frames are quite heavily pitted and there’s a slight crease in the rear bumper (though the vendor says a replacement is on the
EXTERIOR
Body and paint in great condition
INTERIOR
Fresh seat covers Damaged headlining
MECHANICALS
Recently re-built engine and gearbox way). The steel wheels and chrome hub caps are in great shape, but while the rear tyres have plenty of tread left in them, the unmatched fronts will need replacing before long.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
This Cooper has clearly received a fresh set of vinyl seat covers recently but the original pattern has been maintained. That said, the driver’s seat could do with some firmer foam in it. The steering wheel and carpets are in good shape and all of the gauges work. The vinyl covering on the bottom rail of the dash is a little loose, but this should be easy to rectify with some adhesive. The chrome on both door bins is significantly scuffed and would ideally be
replaced. There are numerous small patches of staining in the headlining, plus a mediumsized hole above the rear seats, though nothing that isn’t within the realms of ‘patina’.
UNDER THE BONNET
This car’s DIY restoration was finished in 2018 and a large history folder of parts receipts strongly suggests that an engine re-build was part of that work. There’s no pre-restoration history but the original logbook is present. The engine looks freshly put together, with clean, fresh paint and no signs of leaks. A true detailer would probably like to give the engine bay some attention, but it’s pretty much show-standard as it is.
THE CCW VIEW
This is a top-drawer, turn-key example of the most desirable Mini variant. It is a shame the DIY restorer didn’t take more photos of the car’s re-build, but the bodywork, mechanical and parts invoices support the recent work. The few niggles are largely superficial so would be relatively easy to fix if you so desired.
PROS Recent resto, original details CONS Some ‘patina’, not much history
BUY IT FROM Total Headturners, Thornwood, Epping, Essex CM16 6NE. 01992 573564, totalheadturners.com
PRICE
£7990 (T) TEL 01353 482011 (CAMBS)
Our V90 is a very rare and superbly wonderful low low mileage example only 4,322 miles per annum from new..! Yes only 4,322 per annum from new. Supplied with Volvo main dealer service history and has been a garaged kept example from new and been in the Volvo Owner’s Club for a number of years, UK delivery arranged. (Trade). (SC 3126)