1971 Morris Mini Cooper S Mark 3 |

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1971 Morris Mini Cooper S Mark 3

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£24,763

Mileage~73,883 on clock
Transmission4-speed manual
Engine1.3-litre
LocationDeddington, Banbury

SOLD

1971 Morris Mini Cooper S Mark 3

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

The MK3 Cooper S represents the absolute peak of the original Mini Cooper evolution.

While the concept of a front-wheel-drive performance car is common today, it was entirely revolutionary when the Mini Cooper was first released in 1961. Utilising the iconic blueprint created by Alec Issigonis and developed with the help of racing legend John Cooper, it stood completely alone in its class. The Cooper went on to win thousands of rallies, competitions, and races across almost every motorsport discipline, endearingly capturing the hearts of thousands with its sharp handling, iconic character, and pure sense of fun.

Driven by its success in motorsport and immense public demand, the Cooper remained in the limelight as the ultimate Mini throughout its production run. Over its ten-year lifespan, it was offered with five different engine sizes, two distinct types of suspension, and two types of transmission. Released in 1970 in its final Mk3 guise, the Cooper S offered a genuine 'Q-car' experience. With exterior body trim that made it almost indistinguishable from a standard Mini 1000, only the twin fuel caps, discreet rear badging, deep-rim wheels, and a 130 mph speedometer served to give the game away.

One of just 1,572 Mk3 models ever produced, this beautifully presented 1971 example is finished in 'Glacier White' with a black interior. Showing a recorded mileage of ~73,883 miles, the car underwent a complete restoration and comprehensive engine rebuild and upgrade in 2015. It boasts just three previous registered keepers, having spent much of its life in long-term ownership with its first two custodians before being acquired by Geoff in 2024, who treated the car to a light recommissioning.

The Mini is sold with its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and invoices documenting its almost £30,000 restoration. It was serviced in February 2026 and carries an MOT through to February 2027, despite its historic exempt status. Complete with three sets of keys, an Immobiliser, its original unfitted front seats, and a brand-new set of tyres, this represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a professionally restored example that still retains its core factory originality.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Geoff 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.

Meet the owner

The real joy of this car lies in its remarkable ability to carry speed effortlessly through the corners.

Geoff has a deep-rooted passion for Minis, having raced them competitively alongside his son since the early 1990s. After temporarily hanging up his racing gloves in the 2000s, he acquired this beautifully restored Mk3 in 2024. Appreciating the more planted and confident ride of the Mk3 compared to earlier generations, he chose this particular example because of its exhaustive restoration and sensible upgrades.

He has thoroughly enjoyed using the car, even participating in an Italian Job-themed parade. However, he has now decided to sell the car to fund a later-model Mini: he notes this will be better suited for safely transporting his grandson, ensuring that the family's multi-generational love for the classic Mini continues. Geoff will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Geoff

Vehicle Owner

Geoff saved £4,320* when they
sold their Mini with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Extensively restored, this exceptional example retains a high degree of its original components.

Wheels and Tyres

The correct 10-inch silver-painted steel deep-dish rims are in good condition. They feature chrome hubcaps that show minor wear, though nothing that detracts from the car's overall look.

The car rides on 165/70 Yokohama A-008 tyres. While they still provide excellent grip and show even wear, they are date-coded from 2011. Consequently, the current owner, Geoff, has stated he will replace all four tyres before the sale.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The car’s structure is in excellent condition, benefiting from a comprehensive restoration by The East Anglia Mini Centre in 2015. The wheel wells, jacking points, engine bay, wing seams, boot floor, and sills are all solid. As part of the restoration, the front end was replaced alongside a new floor pan and boot panels, and the entire structure was thoroughly Waxoyled for rust prevention. Additionally, the subframes were sandblasted and powder-coated, with the rear subframe receiving all-new components.

Aside from a minute dent at the bottom of the offside front wing, the panels are in excellent condition and sit flush with the body. The shut lines are consistent throughout, and the passenger door fit is well within acceptable tolerances. All doors open and close with ease on sturdy, smooth hinges.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The 'Glacier White' finish features consistent coverage and an even hue. It retains a lovely lustre and is largely free of road wear, though a handful of minor paint cracks are present, mostly confined to the windscreen scuttle.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for 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

The glass is in good condition with sound seals, though the windscreen does show a few age-related marks. While the rear lenses show minor fracturing, the Quadoptic headlamps present well. Overall, the glass and lighting remain in great condition, highlighting the car's preserved authenticity.

The chrome trim looks smart, showing only minor wear on the grille, while the bumpers are securely mounted and in good shape.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Cleanly finished with a highly original presentation, the interior offers an authentic, period-correct driving experience.

Seats and Carpets

Inside, the car is fitted with re-covered Paddy Hopkirk high-back fabric seats that are in excellent order, providing superb comfort and bolstering. For the enthusiast looking to return the car to factory spec., the original seats have been carefully preserved in wear-free condition and are included as part of the sale.

The carpeting presents in clean, smart order throughout; entirely free of significant wear or any traces of dampness.

Dashboard

The dashboard presents beautifully, showing no notable flaws. All switchgear, controls, and dials are in good condition, with just some minor, age-related wear on the switches themselves.

The headlining, door cards, and the interior trim are in excellent shape.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The Moto-Lita steering wheel appears to be original and retains a nice patina; it remains in good condition with no structural damage, showing only typical wear on the leather-padded rim. The gear lever also presents well.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

A comprehensive engine restoration, along with renewed running gear, provides a car that drives just as beautifully as it looks.

Engine and Gearbox

The cold start posed no issues whatsoever: with a touch of choke, the engine fired up immediately. It sounds smooth and even, completely free from any unwanted noises. Once running, all dashboard warning lights went out, and the exhaust produced no unusual smoke, showing only typical initial condensation. The engine idles smoothly without hunting or juddering on its mounts, and we noted absolutely no fluid leaks during our visit.

The engine is in excellent order, with smart silicone hoses, updated electronic ignition, and a new starter motor and alternator. Rebuilt in 2015 as part of the car's comprehensive restoration, the motor features several notable upgrades. It uses an AEG312 "S" block bored over by 60thou, an AEG623 crankshaft (+20thou on mains and big ends), and lightened and balanced AEG624 con rods. It runs balanced G1818 County +60 pistons, an original AEG542 camshaft with new followers, and an AEG161 timing cover backplate with AEA695/696 timing wheels and a new duplex chain. The top end features a 12G940 (12G1805) 11-stud cylinder head converted for unleaded use, complete with new valve guides and 35mm/29mm valves. Finally, it uses a lightened and balanced flywheel and 22G270 backplate with an Orange clutch diaphragm (C-AHT481), a C-AHT596 clutch plate, and a high-flowing Quicksilver exhaust system with a three-branch manifold.

The transmission consists of a reconditioned synchromesh gearbox paired with a high-performance competition clutch kit, both of which have performed without reported faults. On a demonstration drive, Geoff demonstrated the transmission's wonderfully slick gear changes and a perfectly judged, compliant clutch pedal.

Suspension and Brakes

The Hydrolastic suspension system is fitted with competition ‘Silver’ units, providing a supple yet highly absorbent ride. The system is completely free from unwanted knocks or negative feedback, and the car sits perfectly level.

The car brakes evenly and confidently. To demonstrate its stopping power, Geoff performed a sudden, abrupt stop, showing just how effectively the car pulls up. It tracks perfectly straight under normal driving.

The Drive

Often described as a go-kart with four seats and a roof, the analogy is truer to the Cooper S than perhaps any other car before or since. The rebuilt and professionally tuned 1275cc engine provided punchy performance, delivering an authentic yet thrilling ride that puts the driver in complete control.

The car is incredibly nimble, featuring a torquey engine that offers immense flexibility even in higher gears. Its tenacious grip and road-holding capabilities are highly impressive. During our test drive on a route featuring a mix of inclines, straights, and twists, the Mini shone in a very positive light, tracking confidently and reassuringly.

The steering is sharp and compliant, free from any unwanted wheel wobble during acceleration or braking, and it tracks the road perfectly without wandering. The engine pulls exceptionally well and delivers a superb soundtrack courtesy of its tune, Quicksilver exhaust, and its twin SU HS2 carburettors.

Oil pressure registered at around 80 PSI when cold. As the engine warmed up, it settled to around 75 PSI, remaining comparatively high as a result of the high-performance engine upgrades.

Geoff reports no issues whatsoever with engine temperature, and the car's cooling remained perfectly stable throughout our lengthy test drive in hot weather.

Electrics and Other

The steering and mechanicals were checked over by Southam Mini Centre in 2025 as part of a minor recommissioning. This recent work included a overhaul of the rear brakes, a driveshaft boot replacement, and the installation of new steering rack boots.

The car is also fitted with an Immobiliser.

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History and Paperwork

The Mini received an almost £30,000 restoration in 2015.

Built and registered in January 1971, the car was sold new via a British Leyland garage in Greenock, western Scotland. Retained by its original owner until 1981, it was later acquired by the proprietor of T C Juner & Son, who initially used the vehicle as a parts chaser. Kept largely original and mechanically standard, it was eventually placed into long-term dry storage. When the owner relocated south, he took the Mini with him and subsequently commissioned a total restoration using as many original components as possible. It was later sold to Geoff due to insufficient storage and underuse.

The history file includes extensive invoicing from the East Anglian Mini Centre totalling almost £30,000 in 2015, detailing an exhaustive renovation of the body, interior, paint, running gear, and electrics, alongside a full engine and gearbox build with extensive modifications. The car has covered ~2,500 miles since completion, with further maintenance to the brakes and steering in 2024 by the Southam Mini Centre. Dry-stored throughout its post-restoration life, it is accompanied by invoices covering its rebuild and recent recommissioning, three sets of keys, and its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate.

Despite its official tax and MOT-exempt status, the car holds a current MOT through to February 2027, was fully serviced in February 2026, comes with its original front seats (unfitted), and will be supplied with a brand-new set of tyres before handover.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.