1964 Austin Mini Cooper S 970
A right-hand drive, home-market Austin Mini Cooper 970 S, built on 25 November 1964 and first registered in August 1965, this car is among the rarest of all Mini variants — just 963 examples of the short-stroke, 65 bhp homologation special were produced between June 1964 and April 1965 to meet BSCC under-1000 cc eligibility rules. Finished in Surf Blue with an Old English White roof, the car has been comprehensively restored and retains its original engine numbers. It is accompanied by a substantial history file and a Heritage Certificate.
Ownership
- 2019-02-23Auction saleSold £33,000 (≈ $41K)
- → 1965-08-10Factory deliveryH.A. Saunders Ltdpartial documentation
Hertfordshire dealership through which the car was originally retailed; despite manufacture in late 1964 it remained unsold until first registration in August 1965, possibly due to its specialist nature and high cost.
- → 2001Private saleMr B.L. Francispartial documentation
Warminster-based owner who reportedly discovered the car advertised near Bristol while travelling to Castle Combe circuit. Owned the car for many years, during which it was repainted red; moved to Aldershot in the early 1980s and kept the car until selling it around September/October 2001.
- 2001 → 2001-12-01Private saleMr M.R. Brownpartial documentation
Southampton-based owner who held the car only briefly before it passed to the next owner by December 2001.
- 2001-12-01 →Private saleMr C.P. Harrisfull documentation
Southampton-based Mini enthusiast who identified the car's significance upon inspecting the engine — confirming the original 970 S head and forged rockers — then obtained a Heritage Certificate and commissioned a thorough restoration. Bodywork and repaint in Surf Blue with an Old English White roof, plus a new wiring loom, were finished by 2005; the full restoration took several more years and the car passed through further owners before completion.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownChris Middlehurstpartial documentation
Racing driver and son of former British Saloon Car Champion Andy Middlehurst; purchased the car after the restoration was complete and used it as part of a shared classic Mini Cooper campaign with his father.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Collector who sought the finest available example of the 970 S; acquired it directly from Chris and Andy Middlehurst. Financial circumstances required parting with several cars, leading to this auction entry.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2005Bodywork
Bodywork rectification and full repaint completed, changing the colour from red to Surf Blue with an Old English White roof; a new wiring loom was also installed at this stage.
Work commissioned by Mr C.P. Harris as part of a broader multi-year restoration programme.
- —Restoration
Comprehensive restoration of the entire car to a high standard, retaining original drivetrain components including the matching-numbers 970 S engine with original head and forged rockers; correct Powder Blue and Gold Brocade Grey vinyl interior fitted.
Restoration began under Mr C.P. Harris and was completed over several years, passing through a small number of subsequent owners before finalisation. A large history and restoration file documents the work.
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