Hello,

I've decided that it is time for me to buy my first Mini. Wanting a Cooper S MkII but it seems a bit of a minefield out there. Whether Australian, imported, what year etc.

I'd like a "real" Cooper S that is collectible. There seems quite a few "real and Limited edition" Coopers on Carsales but it seems almost too good to be true.

Any ideas how I can research and learn before I buy?

Join your local mini car club, attend their meetings, see the cars that turn up and ask questions and you'll soon find out who best to talk to? Great thing about mini clubs is they are friendly and willing to help and provide advice.

Cheers
Rod

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1967 New British Racing Green Mk1 Cooper S, 1967 Lake Green 1275 MG Midget, 1969 Jet Red / Crystal White Mk2 Cooper S, 1972 Gambier Turquoise Clubman GT (ex police), 1972 Camino Gold Clubman GT, 2009 JCW Challenge Edition, Megane RS265, Clio RS220.

I'm in WA. I've looked on the minecraft site and their next meeting is in April. I'd like to do a bit of research beforehand.

In terms of holding value and being collectible, Should I be looking only at australian ones or are jap imports ok...?

Eg on car sales at the moment there's a black one that is "1 of 500 remade by John Cooper Garage Ferring" ..... And another "genuine police special MkII". Can I trust these claims or are there a lot on imitations.?

How's that relevant? Do you want a real car or a virtual one?

There are lots of imitations.
The 1965 - 1971 Aust Morris Cooper S is easily faked/reshelled and you will need an experienced mini enthusiast to show you where to look and what to look for. If you want original you will need help. Most people selling a genuine Cooper S will actually go out of there way to prove that it is. When you get excuses like "the previous owner said it was" then be careful.

The most faked are the early MK2 Cooper S from May 1969 to Dec 1969 as they were only identified by a series of letters and numbers on the radiator support panel. They did not have Compliance plates. These cars are from YG2S4 501 and YG2S4 1400.

The next easiest to fake are the 1965 - 1969 MK1 Cooper S. They have a body number stamped into the firewall behind the master cylinders from 501 to 5486. Above the body number is an ID plate. This plate is not used or required for rego and blanks can be purchased.

There are dozens if not 100's of things that need to be checked so ask as many questions as possible.

We have a few registers that are worth having a look at here. viewforum.php?f=43

Gtogreen, thanks for the link u pm'd me..

Everyone else, are there reputable dealers I can contact throughout Australia that can source and advise on a mini? Or that can conduct an inspection for me?

Mini car club mate best way to go

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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".

clubman....

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Stop the clubbie hate Simon [FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY]

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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".

eecee , it helps if you put your location in your profile , if you find something you can nearly always
get someone on here that may be able to help you out .

As for learning about a Cooper S and minis in general , do plenty of reading , on here is a good place to start as well as Mini Car Clubs throughout the states .

As it is your first mini ,budget becomes your first priority, why not start at the lower end of the market,
good cars can be found for around the 6k's mark , ready to drive , and you also need to work out whether you want a cruiser, or a racecar , don't be afraid to ask questions on here , most people don't bite .

There is a 997 cooper 4500 on gumtree needs full resto

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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".

It's also in the for sale section on here

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Thanks all.

I'm pretty happy to pay good coin ($25k plus) for the right one.

I don't have time to restore myself so am looking for one "pre-loved". I'd also be happy to pay for a pre purchase inspection and authentification. As I generally don't have time or the knowledge to travel interstate.

Ideally I'd like to develop a list of reputable garages that can inspect and authenticate a car in each state. That way I can use them as a buyers advocate and facilitator.

I'm in WA Perth. The choice here is pretty small. Which is actually why I want one

Get in contact with the car clubs ........ They will steer you right

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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".