Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Morris Mini Cooper

VIN – K-A2S4L-212762
Exterior Color – Surf Blue (BU35) Old English White Roof (WT3)
Interior Color – Powder Blue and Silver Brocade Grey
Engine – 1275 cc (bored to 1,340cc) in-line 4-cylinder
Transmission – 4-Speed
Current Miles – 8,830 miles (TMU)
Current Owner Purchased – 2011
Current Owner Miles – 3,000 miles

General Overview

The Mini is one of the most important and revolutionary designs of the 20th century. A marvel of simplicity and economical value, the Mini endeared itself to thrifty Brits and Europeans as a trusty vehicle capable of economically hauling four people in relative comfort. Initially created to deal with rising fuel costs, the cheap and lovable Mini became the ideal host for performance enhancements by eager youth, proving that even mild modifications could elevate the car to a sporting level. With its low profile and wide stance, the factory-built twin carbureted 1275 cc powered Mini Cooper S offered a performance package to those who wanted a bit more sport in their Mini.

History and Build Details of This Car

According to detailed notes supplied by the current owner, this Mini is one of just 3,329 models exported in 1962. Originally a left-hand drive car delivered to the first owner in France, at some point in the 1980s it was shipped to a US owner in Decatur, GA. In 1989, the car was purchased by a Marietta, GA owner and well-known Atlanta, GA based photographer who had the car professionally restored to a very high level in 1996. The photographer retained the car in his photography studio for 17 years. While under his ownership, the restoration included the installation of a 1,275 cc Cooper S motor bored to 1,340 cc, reportedly capable of 85 hp, and upgrading the fuel system to S-Spec twin fuel tanks (one on each side) with a connecting fill line.

In 2006 the car was purchased by a New Jersey couple who continued to enjoy the car adding a set of Minilite wheels which are included as spares. The couple exhibited the car at local shows winning first place at the Buckingham Concours, Best in Show Lancaster Art in Motion show, 2006, and second overall at the Limerock Vintage Car Show. By 2008 the car was sold to the next owner. Considerable work was performed that year including a new AP racing clutch, brakes, and refreshing the cooling system and heater box. In 2008 the car was purchased by the next owner who continued to work on the car including the installation of GAZ front and rear shocks.

In 2009, well-known and respected car enthusiast Roger Hoffman purchased the car and brought it to California where it has remained since. Under his ownership, in 2009 the car was extensively serviced including new Pertronix ignition and coil, new throttle shaft, ignition wires, electrical wiring work, carburetor work, brake work, and a clutch master cylinder rebuild. Hoffman enjoyed the car until offering it on consignment to the current owner through Fantasy Junction. The current owner has enjoyed the car for the past twelve years including showing it at Blackhawk vintage car events and the Danville Concours. Regular services under current ownership have been performed at Noto Motors, Palo Alto, CA including oil changes, a fuel pump replacement, and a new battery all done over the approximately 3,000 miles driven under current ownership.

Condition Overview

Today this Mini Cooper presents in excellent condition offering a delightful stock appearance in fetching colors. The two-tone paint is glossy and properly prepared with excellent coverage throughout the body panels. The hood, doors, and trunk show very good panel gaps and proper fitting to the body, opening and closing with ease. The door and trunk hinges, often found to be rusted and loosely functioning, remain in excellent condition. The exterior brightwork and various trim, emblems, and badges are in excellent condition. The distinctive polished wheel trim along the wheel openings and rocker panels is in excellent condition. The early series sliding door glass, lenses, and lighting are in great condition with very good rubber and gasket material shown in the window trim and body areas. The chrome window surrounds are in excellent condition as well. A set of steel wheels are mounted and in very good condition, correctly finished in cream color wearing a set of Dunlop Weathermaster SP44 145-10 radial tires.

The interior has been very nicely restored using correct components, proper materials, and attention to detail throughout including very nicely finished seats and door panels. The front seats are outfitted with a pair of woven black vintage style competition seat belts. The dashboard features a matching fabric cloth while an aftermarket tachometer is mounted to the steering column, fronted by a leather wrapped steering wheel. The grey carpets are in very good condition, matching the grey seat inserts and inner door panels, and a fire extinguisher is discretely mounted under the rear seat. The interior features properly detailed trim offering a stock appearance to the sporty cockpit. All chrome interior features are in excellent condition, delivering a very nice vintage impression with dynamic colors and a sporting feel. The trunk is very nicely refinished in matching colors with a removable floor panel housing a matching spare wheel and cover for the battery.

Under the hood, the 1275cc engine, bored out to 1,340 cc, has been very nicely refurbished to a high level with a few modern upgrades. The painted finishes have been applied correctly to match the original appearance, enhanced with Pertronix ignition and coil. A pair of SU carburetors are fitted with chrome air cleaners. The finish overall is crisp, nicely detailed, and tastefully refined without significantly altering the spirit of the original Cooper configuration. The underside is in excellent condition including solid brake lines, stainless-steel exhaust, and nicely finished suspension components. The chassis appears dry and free of structural corrosion. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension mounting points.

The car starts easily and indicates good oil pressure, snappy throttle response, and great sounds. The engine is responsive and delivers wonderful jaunts through all gears enhanced by the added power in an otherwise stock appearing package. The suspension and steering are composed, brakes consistent for the era, and the handling offers surprising grip, reminding drivers just how much fun a Mini Cooper can be at almost any speed.

Items Included with the Car

This Mini Cooper is offered with a set of 5 Minilite wheels with Falken tires, a spare tire removal tool, a set of floor mats, a car cover, an original Austin Mini-Cooper S-Type sales brochure, and copies of parts and service records dating back to 1991.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608