- Auctions
- The Classic Sale at Silverstone Festival 2025
- 1964 Austin Mini Cooper MkI 997
1964 Austin Mini Cooper MkI 997
Lot Number: 728
1964 Austin Mini Cooper MkI 997
A fine example of the rare 997cc Mini Cooper, lovingly restored by our marque enthusiast vendor with over 40 years experience in restoring Minis.
- ESTIMATE: £18,000 - £24,000
+ buyer's premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT)
You can choose to bid in the room, by phone, online or via commission.
LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Sunday 24th August, 2025 at 11.00am BST at The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN
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BODY COLOUR
White-Black -
DRIVE
_blank_ -
REG NUMBER
961 5RU
SUMMARY
A fine example of the rare 997cc Mini Cooper, lovingly restored by our marque enthusiast vendor with over 40 years experience in restoring Minis.
DESCRIPTION
- Introduced in 1961, the Austin Mini Cooper 997 was the very first Cooper-badged Mini, created through the collaboration between BMC and John Cooper, making it one of the rarest and most collectible early Coopers
- Powered by the unique 997cc long-stroke engine with twin SU carbs, it offered significantly improved performance over the standard Mini, laying the foundation for the Cooper legend
- This 1964 example, finished in OEW with a black roof and a correct red and gold brocade interior, is a genuine 997 Cooper backed by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
- The car was purchased in 2021 as a project and has been subject to a comprehensive three year restoration by our enthusiast vendor, a Mini restorer with over 40 years experience, completed to an exceptional standard
- The body was stripped to a bare shell, mounted on a rotisserie and professionally resprayed in period-correct cellulose paint after the required, but pleasingly minimal, welding was carried out. Both subframes were removed, stripped, repainted and fully rebuilt with all-new or refurbished components including brakes, suspension and steering
- A brand new wiring loom was installed along with replacement door, screen and boot rubbers and refreshed brightwork throughout. The interior was completely retrimmed by Newton Commercial to correct BMC specification, retaining its original character and finish
- Mechanically the engine and gearbox were overhauled as required, with rebuilt SU carburettors, a new exhaust manifold and full new exhaust system fitted.
- The restoration is documented with photos of the build process as well as a plethora of invoices from Mini Spares, old tax discs, MOTs and a 'buff' logbook
- With no prior history before the vendor’s purchase in 2021, the work carried out since has been meticulously documented and clearly reflects the vendor’s passion and attention to detail
- The condition throughout is immaculate and it is arguably one of, if not the, finest restored 997 Coopers on the market today
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 728
- Make
- AUSTIN
- Model
- MINI COOPER
- Registration Number
- 961 5RU
- Chassis Number
- CH2S7502450
- Engine Number
- 12H E25 132719
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- White-Black
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Harry Fox-Edwards
- Car Specialist
- 07398 872032
- harryfe@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Harry.
Email HarryTelephone Harry
WhatsApp Harry
SCORE:
133 / 135
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Engine
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Vehicle History
About the Seller Rating
A lot's rating is compiled based on information provided by the seller of the lot. We strongly recommend viewing a lot prior to bidding as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by the seller. We will not entertain any disputes over seller rating details.
Poor Numerous faults / Extensive damage / Many missing parts / Project or donor car
Fair Basic condition / Requires attention mechanically & cosmetically / Some damage / Some missing parts
Good Everyday useable classic car / Driven & enjoyed / Commensurate with age & mileage / Drives and looks as it should / Some vehicle history
Very good Almost pristine / Mechanically & cosmetically sound / Driven only occasionally / Extensive vehicle history
Excellent Pristine / Original / Documented nut & bolt ground-up restoration / Stored professionally / Trailered only / Complete vehicle history
Please note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 25th August. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.
Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT. Storage is £10 plus VAT per day for the first seven days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.
For larger vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 for a quote.
If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before 9am on 25th August, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers