Mini Cooper “S” Works Replica

Mini Cooper “S” Works Replica

This Morris Mini Cooper S was restored by the late Mr Graham McConnell from the Ards Peninsula Co Down.
Mr McConnell painstakingly rebuilt this little car into a Works replica rally car that dominated the rally scene in the 1960’s & early 1970’s.

The bodyshell was restored to a very high standard &  painted in the Works colours of red & white.
It was fitted with black works type wheel arch spats, to accommodate the wider wheels & tyres.
A remote spot lamp was also fitted centrally in the roof panel.

The 1293 cc A series engine has been tuned to the original 1966 specification & fitted with twin H4 1.5” SU carburettors, three branch exhaust manifold & centre mounted RC40 exhaust system.
An oil cooler has been fitted below the dynamo.

The gearbox is a four speed straight close ratio unit, with the Cooper S remote gear change.
A Works sump guard has been fitted to protect the underside of the vehicle.

The interior of the car is an exact replica of the Works Monte Carlo cars of the mid 1960’s.
The twin dash has the minimum clutter of gauges & switches on the driver’s side dash.
The navigators dash has a twin trip Halda of the period, military grade Classic Heuer, eight day Monto Carlo clock & stopwatch, mounted on the dash. There is also a handheld Heuer stopwatch on a lanyard.
The dash also housed a period Avanti map light. There are switches to operate the roof light, horn & reversing spot lamp fitted.
The passenger door pocket houses backup switches, a second Avanti map light & padding to protect the navigators legs.

A John Ally period roll bar is fitted. The front seats are works bucket seats, fitted with three point Britax competition seatbelts. A 15”ins adonized Moto-Lita steering wheel completes the rally specification of the interior.
There are four Lucas spot lamps mounted to the front panel on a works type lamp bracket. A set of Minilite style, alloy wheels with the correct period Dunlop SP spot tyres are also fitted.

In addition to the car there are a number of very rare rally accessories included within this vehicle.
Esso & Dunlop maps from the period, Gerry bags for water & petrol, a Helphos rally search light, quick lift mechanical jacks, bulbs & spare fan belts.
Rally drivers of the period were renowned for being smokers, there are period packets of cigarettes & matches placed within the dashboard.

It was driven by world renowned rally driver, the late Paddy Hopkirk, during Deja vu Donagh Day in Donegal . https://www.facebook.com/FlyinFinnMotorsport1/videos/461269995448901

As noted above this Mini Cooper S is an accurate reproduction of the original Works Cooper S of the 1960’s & 1970’s.