How do you pick that it is genuine. I have read so much but it is confusing

Take it to an expert. Otherwise guys on here can help. Just need to ask lots of questions and get detailed photos.
There aren't many 65's getting around and there were quite a few differences to the later cars.

An easy answer when outlaying sooo much cash for a car is to contact the local mini club for the state you are looking in and ask for someone to come have a look with you.

Much of this evidence is very subtle. A fuel pump breather is and is not a sign of an original for example.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

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

I would start with the body and work from there.
The body must have the correct features that make a 65 Mini.
Once you work out it is a 65 body you move to the ID numbers that make it a Cooper S.
Then you need to look for the body features of a 65 Cooper S.
Then comes all the mechanical bits.

I know of one 65 Cooper S that was advertised as the lowest number surviving Cooper S and it has all the body pressings of a 69 Mini.

Is there anyone out there who is selling a genuine cooper s.

It needs to be very drivable and clean. I am not a tyre kicker just after the pleasure of owning a genuine cooper s

I don't have a problem paying the right price for the right car

Which city are you nearest to? Many clubs have a for sale section in monthly mags and they come up from time to time. Also good to see a few at car shows. Big BMC day in December in Melbourne if you are down here.

_________________
Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Yep in Melbourne but having said that I am happy to travel

If you don't have one by December (or even if you do) come to the BMC Grand Day out at Bundoora on the 6th December from 10am at Bundoora Park, Plenty Rd Melway 19F3 at the Coopers Settlement. You may find one there but if not at least you will see the various versions and also learn more about what to look for to identify one. You may also want to consider joining the Vic Mini Club where there is a monthly mag with cars for sale that don't always appear on line. There was a 67 S fully original for $25K in the May edition but it wasn't in the latest so not sure if it is still for sale. I will send you a pm with his name and number in case you want to check.
http://www.mini.org.au/index.html

_________________
Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Thanks I have now joined

OK, so that one has sold, the hunt continues! Put an ad on here in the wanted section, and you can also put a wanted in the club mag. Once you find one, it can be authenticated at Link in Mitcham or Mini Spares in Seaford and a number of other places depending on your location or the location of the car you find.

_________________
Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

But its a minefield...I remember shaking my head in Goulburn once, MKI Cooper S with MKII engine (the original engine was being kept for some strange reason)

_________________
"Show me the Mini!"

PM sent

Looks like a 65 model by the oil cooler pipe.
Being car 955 it was probably sold in the start of 66. M206 stamping looks a bit new but.
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... 5369/?Cr=1