Guys,

Not really looking as such but my interest has been sparked (at the moment I have a clubman + moke project going so the wife would shoot me if I even thought about it!!).

What would be the better vehicle a Mk1 or Mk2 Cooper S?

Mk1 sort of appeals because it doesn't have flares and looks more "old". For want of a better word!

Is one more valuable than the other?

Do any original matching number vehicles exist at all? Recognising that they are now 40 years old!

I've seen them advsrtised mostly above $20k.

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Regards,

Mike
"He who dies with the most toys wins."

Mk1S can be `matching numbers', Mk2 cannot (unless you have the original drivers handbook for it).
The compliance plates on a Mk2 (if they got one) don't have an engine number, and all/most of the original factory engine number records are lost anyway.

Mk1S had better gear ratios, but a Mk2S (all synchro) box is stronger.

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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.

I love the multi coloured interiors of the Mk1's over the mk2's usual black (although some were coloured). I love the mk2 bonnet badge however...

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

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

I voted simply on looks. It isn't so much one car is better than the other, its more personal preference.

I like mk 1 with flares, but that's just me

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Ryan Filippi
Minis In The Gong
[email protected]
www.minisinthegong.com.au

I'm bias on the MK2. Having said that i also love the Mk1. Later cars are usually going to have improvements over their predecessors but they all have there own things that people like and dislike.

In the words of Jeff Fenech "I love yous all!"

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

Obviously allowing for an individual cars condition and originality the MK2's are generally valued slightly higher due to their lower production figures.

There are plenty of matching number cars out there and they do command a premium. Its cars with original paper work that are far far more difficult to locate. As stated above MK2's need original paper work as proof of a matching numbers car.

20 k plus will get you a matching numbers car in average to good condition and it goes up from there.

Personally, I like both the MK1 and MK2

I prefer the MK1 interior. Westminster carpet, metal heater, black binnacle. etc. The MK2's have a better gearbox and just look mean sitting low on wide 10" wheels. And yes, you got to love the MK2 bonnet bagde!

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In the garage:
1970 Morris Cooper S MK2 | 2010 MINI Cooper JCW Challenge Edition

Now with new owners:
1964 Morris 850 Van | 1965 Morris Cooper S MK1 | 1976 Leyland Mini | 1999 Rover Mini Cooper Classic | 2006 MINI Cooper JCW

I like the horn button in the middle of the steering wheel. The rest of it doesn't matter.

but it's so far to reach over to hit it! being able to just extend your fingers to hit the horn on a MK2 is much nicer

If you are going to the effort of extending a finger it is probably too late for the horn.

Well, most of the competion success worldwide was done in a MK I so there is that type of appeal for that model. But the MK II does have some needed refinements, like the flares and the all synchro gearboxes and cylinder heads that don't crack etc etc......

Personally while I do respect the Cooper S for the acheivements that it has been associated with and in particular the MK I, the cars I like to drive on the street I prefer a bit more refined than the MK I. Both Cooper Ss that I have owned at different times were MK IIs, however over any Cooper S, I prefer an Ozzy Clubman GT, which is essentially a MK II Cooper S only...well......finished.

I've got one of each, there both my favorites.


Doogie

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I won Hay once, here's the pic to prove it..


Hay, it's not about the car, it's not about the venue, it's about the people that come here. Peter Dwyer, Mayor of Hay NSW.

One of yours is an Austin MK I is it not?????

Being on my second one would have to go for Mk 1. But I would gladly have a Mk 2 and a GT as well.

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" I'll show you mine if you show me your's"

I don't mind raising a finger

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