Estimated Price: £28,000 - £34,000
The Mini Cooper S appeared in 1963 and quickly established itself as the basis for competition focused models. Larger disc brakes, more luxurious upholstery and discreet S badges were the subtle clues, with the real changes made to the adaptable A-series engine. With competition in mind, in 1964 Cooper produced two S models specifically for circuit racing in the under 1,000cc and under 1,300cc classes respectively, rated at 970cc and 1,275cc.
The road going 970 S was a genuine homologation special, produced specifically with the under 1-litre class of the British Saloon Car Championship in mind. Its specialist short stroke engine produced 65bhp but was expensive to manufacture, resulting in the 970 S becoming a special-order model. Production lasted from June 1964 until April 1965, with just 963 examples supplied, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after production Minis.
BBT 537B is a remarkably special example, having been owned by our enthusiast vendor since 1982, an extraordinary 44 years of continuous ownership. HPI records just one former keeper, making its remarkably limited ownership history almost as appealing as the rarity of the car itself.
Its accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms that chassis K-A2S4/550564 is a right-hand drive, home market Morris Mini Cooper ‘S’ Mark I 970cc, built on 28th August 1964 and destined for Kennings Limited of Kingston-upon-Hull. Importantly, it was finished from new exactly as it presents today, in Almond Green with an Old English White roof and Porcelain Green and Dove Grey trim with a fresh-air heater being its recorded factory fitted option.
More recently, the Mini has been subjected to a comprehensive restoration by Limn Historics, specialists better known for their work with pre-War Bugattis. The restoration was approached with originality firmly in mind, with original components retained wherever possible and New Old Stock parts sourced where replacements were required to make sure that everything on the car is original ‘Mini’. This attention extended throughout the car, including the beautifully presented interior which has been returned to its correct Porcelain Green and Dove Grey specification.
The result is quite simply an immaculate little Cooper S. The Almond Green paintwork presents beautifully against its contrasting Old English White roof, whilst the engine bay, interior and detailing throughout demonstrate the considerable care invested in the restoration. Importantly, this is not simply a beautifully finished shell, with the car reported to run and drive equally well.
It has covered minimal mileage since completion and is accompanied by a good history file documenting the restoration, alongside its Heritage Certificate and long-term ownership history.
With just 963 examples originally produced, any genuine 970 S is a rare proposition. To find one retaining its factory colour scheme, beautifully restored with such an emphasis on original and New Old Stock components and, remarkably, having remained with the same enthusiast owner since 1982, makes BBT 537B a particularly special example of one of the most interesting competition derived Minis.
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