1971 Austin Mini Cooper 1275 S Mk3

Lot Number: 866

1971 Austin Mini Cooper 1275 S Mk3

An original, UK-supplied, Mk3 Mini Cooper S in wonderfully usable condition, retaining its Hydrolastic suspension and desirable factory features.

There is a Sale Room Notice on this lot, please read this before placing a bid

  • Sold for: £20,250

LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Sunday 9th November, 2025 at 10.30am local time at NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT

  • Body Colour

    BODY COLOUR
    Tartan Red

  • Drive

    DRIVE
    RHD

  • Registration Number

    REG NUMBER
    BEG 494J

  • Odometer Reading

    ODOMETER READING
    68348 Miles

SALE ROOM NOTICE

This vehicle is finished in Tartan Red, not Chilli Red as originally catalogued

SUMMARY

An original, UK-supplied, Mk3 Mini Cooper S in wonderfully usable condition, retaining its Hydrolastic suspension and desirable factory features.

DESCRIPTION

  • First registered on 01/07/1971, this is an original UK-supplied Mini Cooper S 1275, indicating 68,348 miles, with six years current ownership and seven former keepers
  • The rare Mk3 Cooper S retained Hydrolastic suspension, and this example still runs on it, sitting on correct steel Cooper S wheels fitted with Yokohama tyres, all in good condition
  • The matching-numbers engine and gearbox were fully reconditioned by Mini Sport in 2020, with very little mileage covered since; it pulls well and shifts smoothly through the gears
  • The mechanical specification includes twin carburettors, the original airbox, three-branch manifold and a full Maniflow centre-exit exhaust for the proper Cooper S soundtrack
  • Presents well with a pleasing patina; the car has had some paintwork over the years, including a recent driver’s door skin replacement to a high standard
  • Retains many original interior features, believed to include carpets, headlining and seats, and is supplied with the original door cards
  • Desirable details include twin fuel tanks, Cooper S spare wheel, jack, wheel brace, spare keys, and original items such as the blue bonnet badge and accelerator pedal rubber
  • Accompanied by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, invoices for works and parts, and remains MOT and tax exempt as a historic vehicle

SPECIFICATION

Lot Number
866
Make
AUSTIN
Model
MINI COOPER S
Variant
MK III
Registration Number
BEG 494J
MOT Expiry
Exempt
Chassis Number
XAD1416325A
Engine Number
12H397F.1508
Transmission
Manual
Body Colour
Tartan Red

GALLERY

SPECIALIST

Consignor

For further information regarding this lot please contact Richard.

Email Richard
Telephone Richard

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SCORE:

89 / 135

Exterior


Bodywork:

Glass:

Paint:

Chrome:

Trim:

Remarks

This delightful Mini Cooper S is still running on its hyrolastic suspension, steel Cooper S Wheels with Yokohama Tyres all in good condition. The car has had some paint work over the years including a recent door skin on the driver side repaired to a very high standard the mini still holds a lot of of its original features.

Interior


Door-Cards:

Carpets:

Seating:

Headlining:

Dashboard:

Boot:

Remarks

I believe carpets headlining seats I do have the original Door cards to go with the car.

Engine


Components:

Appearance:

Starting:

Running:

Remarks

The Cooper S had its engine and gearbox unit fully reconditioned by Mini sport in 2020 and has covered very little mileage since the Cooper has presented itself very well and nips up through the gears smoothly, twin carbs, original air box, three branch manifold full manaflow centre exhaust. The engine rebuild and gearbox rebuild cost just over 3,000 pounds.

Transmission


Gears:

Clutch:

Drive-Shaft:

Running Gear


Axles:

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Electrics


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Vehicle History

Remarks

This Mini comes with a heritage certificate an invoices for works and replacement parts over the years. The chassis and engine number are matching and his MOT and tax exempt. This Mini was allegedly re-shelled in the early 80s but I have absolutely no evidence of this. The Mark 3 Cooper S is a rare car now to find, especially in this unmolested condition. in the best colour I feel and nice usable Classic with plenty of patina. twin fuel tanks, Cooper S wheel spare, jack, wheel brace spare set of keys I have the original blue mini bonnet badge and accelerator pedal rubber.


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 10th November. 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 noon on 10th November, 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

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