I'm looking to purchase a Mark II Cooper S from 1969-1971 and want to know what I should be looking for when inspecting a vehicle (ie common problems, restoration shortcuts, distant features of the Mark II etc). I know it may sound like a "how long is a piece of string" question but can you advise of a price range I could expect to pay for a vehicle of this type.

Your assistance is appreciated.

Here is a nice guide to buying a used mini. Doesn't apply to any model in particular, but gives you a start.

http://members.tripod.com/~miniwww/buying.htm

I have restored a few of these to concourse condition and could help with some advice if you have any questions. I guess it depends what you are looking for. If you like you can email me on gkcoates@hotmail.com and perhaps I can guide you in the right direction.
G.

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1970 Cooper S ex-Bathurst & ATCC
1964 Austin Cooper S ex-Group C race car
1967 Morris Cooper S ex-Group B
1962 Mini Speed sports sedan
1968-71 ex-Peter Manton Shell car

you may already know all this but here's a couple of things I learnt in the process of buying a mk2 S:
I'd say the main thing to look for when buying an S is that it is what they say it is since there's more fakes than genuine ones around (or so i was told).
Up to the end of the mk1's they had a UK ID plate, and they didn't start using the Australian compliance plate until a few months after introduction of the mk2, so the early mk2 S's have no compliance or ID plate - so if you see some like this don't automatically assume its dodgy. They should still have the body number stamped on the radiator surround (YG2S4) and all the usual cooper S distinctions: diagonal grille support making room for the flattened part where the oil cooler mounts, brackets for the heater, rh tank and clips for the breather hose, brackets and mounts for the boot board, all these should be spot welded too, covered channel the whole length under the car for the hydro lines (should be hydro suspension), spot welded wheel arch extensions to mount the flares too, 7.5" front disc brakes, brake booster, 9f/xe/y engine number, twin su's, 130mph speedo and probably a few other things i don't know about. Some of the early mk2's (like mine) have some mk1 stuff on them (brake booster, heater, engine etc). I'd reckon expect to pay $5K-$8K for one in need of restoration, $10K-$20K for a restored or good condition one - depending on condition obviously, and pay less if its missing any of the unique parts that an S should have because some of those parts are getting very hard (& expensive) to find...

At the show on Sunday in sydney, there was a red cooper S 1 owner from new for sale. It was imac!!! i was stunned... but alittle out of my price range. I think he wanted around $16k for it. 80,000 original miles. I don't even think it's been restored as it is just in plain VERY good condition, nothing more to do. I spent about 1/2 hour floating around the car can couldn't pick a fault.

in my opinion it is was worth every penny. Even came with S contessas for regular use and a set of steel S wheels for concourse look.

Anyway, just thought I'd mention it... good luck!

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

You see, I told you that you would get some great info from this place! We are just a bunch of very helpful Min lovers.

Hope you got the info you were after, and hope you stick around when you buy your 'S'.

Anton.



Chong, I have seen that one before and I second your comments. It's awesome !

Oh crap it was awesome... I loved it and was shocked at the thought that it was on sale...

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

did you see the one behind it rcnool was the plate on it (arsenal) bloody wogball lovers he wanted 12000 for that and it is imaculate
makka

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Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

red with bonnet stripes. hated the Arse-nal shite on it....

Oh! the red with white stripes was for sale?!?! was it a S or a what?

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

yes original cooper s
makka

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Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

here, I had it on my webpage from the the event:

Nice Cooper S