I've been on the lookout for these spark plug caps for a while, I had just one that I found at a swap meet a couple of years ago.

For those that are interested, they appear to be the type fitted to most Mk1 Cooper S when new and good reproduction ones are now starting appear, mostly on vintage motorcycle shops because the old BSA/Triumph bikes had a lot of the same caps. It also makes sense that BMC would source something really weatherproof particularly for the Cooper 'S'



You can see these caps on a Cooper S used as a demo car in a number of period car mags in 1966. BMC didn't appear to bother with the ring clip and just used the usual rubber sleeve.



They are also seen in the 1968 Colour Brochure that can be seen here. http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=84039

They are actually a really good cap, soft rubber that seals well, and a modern clip will fit/push inside.

Below is a repo next to an original.

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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)

Great information, Phill. Thanks for posting.

My understanding is that those caps were used primarily on the Australian Mark 1 Cooper S. There was a change to the solid plastic numbered caps on the MK II Cooper S, although I'm not sure when they were introduced. Perhaps it was related to the 9FXEY power plant, in which case some late Mark 1's would've had them, and some early MK II's with 9FSAY the rubber Champion style.

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

I'm sure I saw a mention of the "improved caps and leads" in one of the service bulletins. The numbered ones appear to be a custom made (Australian?) job as the caps and leads are all fused together and probably were more robust and waterproof. I think they may have been used on all models including K and Matic.

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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)

I thought this was brought up before.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=72106

I might have to get a set for mine.

Are the caps shown in the photo original Australian MK 2 Cooper S ?
Also has any body got a photo of the original Australian Clubman GT caps and leads?

The Mk2 S had the plug ends numbered 1 - 4. The later GTs may have had straight plug ends as shown in this crash test. viewtopic.php?t=85906

Cool photo's.
Thanks for your reply.

That GT in the crash tests has the 1206 engine because it had the passenger side engine steady and the 4 way breather and the inner guard crumple zone. I believe it was testing for the 1973 release either for the new ADR or to meet the NZ export rules. Most of these went to NZ.

Hi Doug. Do you have any detail on the factory lengths of the mk1 'S' lead please?


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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)

Hi Phil/Doug
I swapped a parts manual with Doug some time ago which covered mini 850-1098 - cooper and cooper s and also 1100's.
I can't remember the PUB number I'm sorry but it was a Green large manual (May have not been the correct folder)but any way I'm sure I read in that manual and also viewed the lengths of the leads.
It may be of some help.
Regards Peter.

The UK AKD 3509 manual (might not be the same as Aus) lists them as:

No.1 = 10.5"
No.2 = 10.5"
No.3 = 7.5"
No.4 = 9.5"
Coil = 11.5"

There is a copy here: http://mk1-performance-conversions.co.u ... _lists.htm

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You might like this one Phill
http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965-mini-cooper-s/

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Decent close up of a Mk2 lead here:

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

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

I'm guessing the change of part numbers for the leads is as a result of the 29D4 distributor introduction, although the cable lengths are the same.

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

Yep. Good find. The one original I found was exactly like that with the dark green lead and the metal clip.


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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)