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Curated Auction

1961 Austin Mini Cooper 997

At a Glance

1961 Build | Original Car | Excellent Throughout | Investor Quality

  • Mileage~58,010 on the clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine997cc
  • LocationNottingham

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£2,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£2,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

The Mini is already a motoring legend – but… one of the first production '61 Austin Cooper, now that's something else!

The celebrated engineer Sir Alec Issigonis was a close friend of John Cooper, proprietor of the Cooper Car Company and a distinguished designer and builder of Formula One and rally cars. Cooper quickly recognised the Mini’s remarkable potential as a competition car. Although Issigonis was initially hesitant to see his creation turned towards performance, Cooper successfully persuaded BMC management to support the project. The collaboration between Issigonis and Cooper gave rise to the iconic Mini Cooper – a lightweight, agile, and highly affordable sporting car. Launched in 1961, the Austin Mini Cooper has gone on to become one of the most recognised British cars ever produced.

This collectible 1961 Austin Cooper has spent most of its life residing in the warm climate of South Africa, where it appears to have retained all of the original body panels.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Iain the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

I’ve been a Mini fan for as long as I can remember, and owning the Mk1 has been a real pleasure.

Iain has been the proud owner of this stunning Austin Cooper for the past three years. The car was sourced by a contact in South Africa, which is where Iain has been collecting some of his vehicles from over the past few years.

Having had some fun with the Mini over the past couple of years, and taking it as far as he could, bringing it to the stunning condition you see now, Iain has decided to part with the British classic in a bid to reduce his collection.

Iain
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The Mini shape is iconic worldwide, and it's easy to see why – there really is no other British classic like it.

Wheels and Tyres

The original 10-inch steel wheels are finished in white to match the roof and covered with a chrome hubcap. The hubcaps do have some patina, which just adds character to the Mini. The tyres all match and have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery for detailed shots.

Bodywork

The bodywork on the Mini stunning - Iain believes all of the panels are original, with all the original spot welds in place and a factory finish where the wings meet the front panel and A-panel. There are no dings or dents, and the panel gaps look to be equal.

Also, check out the boot lid, which has the drop-down number plate found on the Mk1s to provide extra boot storage by using the boot lid to rest luggage on.

High-resolution images and videos have been provided, so please review all media to assess the car’s condition thoroughly.

Paint

Finished in the original colour of Tartan Red, the Mini has been repainted whilst in South Africa, shortly before it made its way to the UK. The condition is excellent, with no apparent blemishes to point out.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

All of the windows are in good condition; there may be some very minor age-related marks, but nothing excessive. All of the window trims and seals are in good condition, with no signs of perishing.

The chromework is in excellent condition with no tarnishing or corrosion.

The headlights and rear lights are in good order, with no damage to the lenses.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Beautifully presented – it's like stepping into a time machine.

Seats and Carpets

The original seats have been retrimmed in red/white vinyl to match the exterior. These are in excellent condition with no damage in the front or rear. The carpets throughout have been replaced and are in like-new condition. It is also worth noting there is a lump in the floor next to the gear lever where the start button would be fitted to early production Minis, showing this is an original body.

Inside the boot is clean and tidy, with the spare wheel present and an original jack.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in good condition; the instrument binnacle is free from damage, and the odometer shows a reading of ~58,010 miles and is said to be working correctly, along with the oil pressure and temperature gauges.

Please see the interior gallery for more high-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original style steering wheel is in excellent condition, and the gear knob has the numbers clearly visible.

Please refer to the interior gallery for more images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The 997cc engine is fantastic and ideally suited to the British classic.

Engine and Gearbox

Looking in the engine bay of the Mini, this is beautifully presented with the original 997 engine, which we are told has the correct casting number on the block, proving it is the original 997 engine.

The engine fires up without hesitation and performs superbly on the road, as can be seen in our on the road video. The gear change is typical for a Mini of this age, and the car pulls as you would expect through all four gears.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension in the Mini is just like you remember, and if you've never been in one, you're missing out.

There are no knocks or bangs, and the car handles brilliantly on the road.

The brakes bring the pocket rocket to a stop in a straight line with no issues reported.

The Drive

One word to describe driving the iconic British classic – fun!

They really are great little cars; this one, having the 997 engine, has decent performance, and they just handle like they're on rails.

It’s easy to see why the classic Mini has such a huge following.

Electrics and Other

Cars from 1961 didn’t require many electrics; wipers, lights, and indicators are pretty much all you need for a simple life, and are all working correctly with no issues reported.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Coming to the UK in 2021, you will become just the second UK keeper of this British classic.

Unfortunately, as with many cars from South Africa, or indeed any import, the paperwork is almost certainly non-existent. The Mini does have a copy of the South African registration document, the import document and, of course, the V5C.

A stunning 1962 Austin Cooper 997, which appears to have all its original panels and is superbly presented inside and out. Definitely one for the Mini enthusiast who wants to own something extra special.

We've carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and running an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: this check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.
Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win – just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
01.11.2021 UK registered
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Key Details
  • Model Cooper
  • Transmission Manaul
  • S.A Reg. Date 30.05.1961
  • UK Reg. Date 01-11-2021
  • CC 997cc
  • Mileage ~58,010 on the clock
  • Colour Tartan Red
  • Interior Colour Red/White
  • Interior Trim vinyl
  • Chassis # CA2S7230695
  • Engine # 9FSAH8368
  • Restored Yes
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers 0 former UK Keepers
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 4 Years
  • Key Feature 1961 Car
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Saloon
  • Auction ID 2706
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Nottingham

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £2,000
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    £2,000 bid by fozzybmw01.05.25 @ 11:43:48
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Mini like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Nottingham

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