BTW Fred, the magazine article from August 1965 features DLD 322 with no "S" badge on the bonnet, & specifically mentions that the "S" badge is only seen on the boot!

Yes, someone pointed that out the other day, ...wonder what ever became of that car. I'm a member of the BMC/Leyland Heritage Group. We have a re-union lunch coming up. I might pick a few ex BMC brains about this car, see if anyone remembers anything of it.

I would assume it was built by the Experimental garage at the factory. They often hand built vehicles prior to full production. Often cars like this were offered to factory staff for purchase, especially if they were able to be registered.

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

Thanks Ian, Your counsel is as always appreciated

Hope you are well.

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66 MK 1 Cooper S
64 Grp N Cooper S
64 Grp N Cooper S (ex Bob Asher)
64 GRP N Cooper S (ex Fred Burley)

Freddo, Are you going for a resto back to original?

Hi GTOgreen,

As original as possible without giving myself an ulcer

A few period accessories/mods perhaps

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66 MK 1 Cooper S
64 Grp N Cooper S
64 Grp N Cooper S (ex Bob Asher)
64 GRP N Cooper S (ex Fred Burley)

Do you have the Rocker cover with metal plates or stickers? I was looking through photos of engine bay differences and it looks like the change over was mid to late 66.

GTO green,

I don't have any rocker covers with the riveted plates.

Cheers,
Fred

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66 MK 1 Cooper S
64 Grp N Cooper S
64 Grp N Cooper S (ex Bob Asher)
64 GRP N Cooper S (ex Fred Burley)

Because the motors were imported as complete units from England perhaps some of the changes could be worked out by studying UK records and forums, John Parnells Book notes that a new Rocker Cover with longer neck and with stickers rather than riveted plate was introduced at engine no 9FSAY 39204 (Nov 65)

....although having said that, over time, BMC Australia would have gradually asked for components to not be included on the imported power units because they were available locally.

Edit: ..by my records if the motors were coming in including the rocker covers then the riveted plates would have disappeared in Australia around March or April 66 at around Car no. 1000

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

I have one available in average condition called "MORRIS"

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"Show me the Mini!"

Thanks 9yatah, very generous...

But by the looks of things my car is to late, having a 6/66 wiper motor

Thanks Phil. Ive had a very interesting chat with a guy from the Netherlands on MK1 performance forums about the 66 S and the correct engine components re: clutch housing and 333 gearbox

Thanks for all the info guys, Reminds me of an old saying that " a village raises a child"?

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66 MK 1 Cooper S
64 Grp N Cooper S
64 Grp N Cooper S (ex Bob Asher)
64 GRP N Cooper S (ex Fred Burley)

Phil,

Just to clarify, I am with your opinion that the early factory supplied car components in Aus was dictated more from the Europe market and gradually became more confusing for the Aus supplier (now Aussie restorer) as the years passed by

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66 MK 1 Cooper S
64 Grp N Cooper S
64 Grp N Cooper S (ex Bob Asher)
64 GRP N Cooper S (ex Fred Burley)

I think if you have access to the right documentation, such as old parts lists or parts newsletters, then you can usually work out whether a part was UK or Australian supplied.

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