Somehow I can't help thinking some top knob officials will end up with these cars when it is eventually decided to 'can' the public relations idea.

PM sent

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Yeah got it
also a popular area for girls of the night out there as well

Way back a thousand years ago the old service station on the corner of what used to be Horsley road (which is now Brabham drive) used to be a Valiant and Hillman dealer. In the backyard used to be a stack of well worn Hillman Imps. In 1982 I bought a Torana off his son.

I remember in the late 80's when the girls used to start walking along the road out there...

They had some ex police cars at a show in Robertson earlier this year - a Valiant, XC and EL Falcons from memory. Hopefully they'll bring this one along next year?

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I used to look for puddles on the hwy when raining

Or stop 50 metres away and drive off when they get near the car

Tremendous and unselfish decision you have made Doug but I'm sure this will give you the impetus to now do the resto on that blue car. I still remember how you pipped me at the post on the blue car but I am still happy as you really deserved it more than I did.
Really can't wait to see the red beast in the flesh.
Brian

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"Investing my Super in a Cooper" &
"Re-living my Surfing Past in a Woody"

Thanks Brian for your kind thoughts and again, sorry for outbidding you on the blue car. Actually, I shouldn't be saying sorry; I should be admonishing you for having driven the price up.

Yes, current plan is to do a faithful and minimal restoration on the blue car now I have some funds.

You may have to be quick to see the red beast in the flesh. The NSW Police Force Inspector behind the transaction called me today about alternative colours for it. It may look quite different in a few weeks time.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Geez they must be getting old now then

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"Show me the Mini!"

any idea why they went with side curtains Display purposes

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"Show me the Mini!"

Time for an update on recent developments.

Since returning to its original owner (NSW Police) the little red/white Cooper S has undergone an extensive update. See the pictures below taken a few days ago at the NSW Police Highway Patrol headquarters at Huntingwood.

The body was taken back to bare metal, a few rust spots fixed and a monotone top coat of Crystal White applied. Not sure if this is acrylic like the original BMC painting method or two-pack. I'll have that confirmed shortly.

An aerial has been installed in the original hole in the roof, not something I would've done if I'd kept the car as it would affect resale value, but it adds to the authenticity and I think it's a great feature. All the internal Police items I collected over many years have been installed - calibrated speedometer, tacho, two-way radio. At this stage the mesh sun visor and perspex weather shield have not been installed. I think Police management would like to keep it clean and attractive rather than fanatically historically correct. It has been road registered and will soon sport its new number plates. The external rear vision mirrors are not the right ones for the 1970 era, but I'm not about to quibble.

The dummy I created to sit behind the steering wheel when on display is being re-clothed in period Police uniform and the display signage is being made.

I believe the first outing for the car is at the Newcastle Show next weekend as part of a significant NSW Police road safety campaign - Operation Momentum. Expect to see an announcement and press release on Friday. If you go along to the Show would you please take some pictures and post them here, or email to me. I'd love to keep up to date as it carries out its new role in life.

I'm excited that the car I looked after for a few years has had a major restoration. Put aside that I have a personal interest; put aside that it started out as one of the most powerful Cooper S's to come off a BMC production line anywhere in the world and was driven hard and fast for most of its working life. I'm simply thankful that another genuine Australian Cooper S has had a few more decades added to its life through some care and attention.

Out of interest the body and paint was done by Rocky Canto, well known in Mini circles.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Holy smoke, they didn't fap about. That didn't take long at all.

I don't think I've seen a Mini in all over Crystal White in the flesh, except maybe for Slacko's (that's what it is, is it?). Really burns your eyes out its so stark.

I can't imagine what it would have been like to be chased by cops in one of these...but that's getting pretty close to the genuine experience seeing it with all this work done to it. A real credit.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Hey! Wouldn't it be fun if the car was done in the graphics of the cars behind it and put into service

Might be worth a trip down to Newie to have a squizz .

I had a beige one chase me all the way from Raymond Terrace to Buladelah once, back in 1969.. before the Pacific Hwy (and the rest of NSW) was speed zoned to 60MPH. Speed limit was `/'.
I didn't know he was there until I had slowed down for the 35MPH zone.
He was not amused that his S was doing 106MPH downhill and I gained 1/2 a mile on him (Fiat power ).

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.