http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... 4240/?Cr=3

I'm after a car that is collectible and will hold its value. Something rare with some cool history behind it. Strictly a weekend drive, or a school drop off car. I'm not really an enthusiast and definitely not mechanically minded. I'm somewhat time poor and won't be doing any restorations myself.

I'm in WA, where I haven't really seen many Cooper Ss around.

The above car seems to tick a few boxes but my lack of knowledge leaves me somewhat vulnerable to a heart driven, hasty decision. Your experience and comments will help me develop my knowledge and flavour for these unique little vehicles.

Regarding the above vehicle, I have spoken to the guy, who seems nice and genuine. He's an Ex Copper and the third owner. It previously owned by relative of his, also an ex Copper. Car has no paper work with it.

The chassis number lines up with it being an Aussie NSW Police car (so I've been told, am awaiting a photo of the VIN plate) but the engine has been swapped out. The numbers of the engine suggest its a Mk1 block with several Mk 2 bits (yet to be verified).

My questions:
1) does this car represent a unique find?
2) is it common to have the engines swapped out
3) how does the non matching engine affect its value and heritage? (noting that the original engine was modified and presumably less robust as a result of the mods and the way it was driven).
4) in your humble opinion, will this car hold its value?

Thanks for your time and I hope you enjoy sharing your knowledge as much as I enjoy and appreciate developing mine.

Charlie

For the originality component, there is very little (next to nothing) to go off in the images. Unless someone knows this car personally, then a suggestion would be to contact the Mini Car Club of WA and ask for someone who would be willing to spend an hour with the car to inspect on your behalf.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

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

Reg check say the chassis number ends in 4869.

ME70CS 1970 RED MORRIS MINI SEDAN VIN/Chassis: ********4869

If it was a MK2 Cooper S it would be car YG2S4 869. About July 1969. It would not have been issued a compliance plate.

If it's a July 69 cooper s it would still have most of the mk 1 features including metal heater ( advert shows the latter plastic heater), floor dip switch, tin master cylinders etc. so really need either compliance plate or identifying numbers. agreed the pictures don't really show anything conclusive re correct parts/ features etc and best to contact local mini club and find someone in the know who can inspect the car.
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.

So I'd need a photo of the letters and numbers on the radiator support panel?

How does the fact that it has a non original engine affect the collectibility and value?

Btw I've contacted NSW Mini club hoping for an expert to do an inspection and report.

A photo of the rad support panel will be a good place to start. Placement and size of the lettering is one thing that is looked at. Many MK2 fakes will actually use a Mini K (YG2S1) as their donor vehicle.

The engine numbers jumped around a bit and were not matched to a particular vehicle. Unless you have the original sales docs or passport to service it would only be an estimate. Looking at the register an engine number either side of 9FXEY 53000 would not raise any questions for car 869. I would expect a car with the wrong engine to be a few thousand dollars cheaper.

As already said, the starting point is a good clear picture of the stamping on top of the radiator cowl.

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

This one is in Perth and has been for sale for 6 months. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/innaloo/ ... 1087291619
The photos don't really help but.

Great find. I've messaged the guy to see if it's still available ... Awaiting reply.

Should I be suspicious that it's been listed for 6 months and 8000 views and still unsold?
I would have thought good cars at the right price sell pretty quick.

Hmm don't know about those two Cooper 'S' ,but here's a nice Clubman GT for sale in WA .I have seen this car and its very nice ,has all its original bits and its Compliance Plate....

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... 2102/?Cr=6


EDIT : Be quick if you want it ,genuine GT's are very collectable and don't come up for sale that often. I would like it myself ,but I think wife may other ideas

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1965 Morris 850
1966 Morris Mini Minor
1967 Morris Cooper 'S'
1977 Leyland LS

+1 on the GT. They are harder to fake, cheaper, and you get pretty much the same car. Maybe you prefer the round nose (I know I do) but it would be worth a look. These cars sat around the 10K mark for years and now are starting to go up in value.

I have my heart set on a round nose. It just says "Mini" to me.
Was keen on a Cooper S as it has more "Street Cred" although that opinion comes from a very low knowledge base. I am definitely open to be influenced by you enthusiasts

This car just came up .... looks like a lot of love has gone into it. ...

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... 3964/?Cr=2

This is the sort of condition I'm looking for in a Cooper ...but I'm fast learning the devil is in the detail ..

Do Authentic Cooper Ss like this ever come up?

It almost seems like trying to find a legitimate Cooper S's is difficult and fraught with risk. If I am after something original and historic maybe a K

What do you think of a "K" in terms of "coolness" ..

There have been a few guys on here that have picked up a genuine MK2 recently. Post in the wanted section and see what responses you get. A lot of the time the best buys are from word of mouth and not the internet sales.

If you have your heart set, then it might pay to engage someone in the East to pick you something up or take a holiday over this way to look at the market

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"Show me the Mini!"

"..This is the sort of condition I'm looking for in a Cooper ...but I'm fast learning the devil is in the detail ..

Do Authentic Cooper Ss like this ever come up?.."

Yes, a friend recently sold his ... But he was asking something in excess of 40K..



Does that make Ss twice as cool ??

Cheers, Ian