33 replies to this topic

[Cooperman]

That looks correct in terms of hole position, but with the gaiter on it is not possible to see the hole edge.

The plate over the 'magic wand' hole looks correct.

The doors should have chrome plates on the front of the door bins, but again that's easy to rectify and just indicates that the doors have probably been replaced at some time, which is not unusual for a 50-year old Mini.

Under the bonnet looks correct for '64 with the fresh air heater pipe.

It will be a good investment and will be easy to do any work needed to make it as-original with only 'period modifications'. It has had a door mirror, so it would be good to fit one of the period 'bullet shape' ones as they look very 'sixties'.

It still appears to have the 7" disc brakes as the wider wheels have the narrow hub datum offset and the wheels are the correct period 4.5" reverse rim type to fit to that hub type. That is good.

I reckon a bit of D.I.Y. TLC would see that worth maybe £17500 to £18000.

I would love to buy it if I had the space, but my workshop is full with 2 Minis and an MGB-GT.

[Bubblebobble]

I would deffo want a closer look . I dont like the phrase ' older restoration ' , it sometimes means its not up to the standard expected nowadays by serious buyers .

[theRossatron]

Awesome thanks for the info guys, I guess I'd have to go and have a peek!

[Cooperman]

I would love it and if I had the space I would try a cash offer of £13000 sight unseen. It is clearly a Mk.1 and without spending a fortune it can be made as-original and just lovely. The critical things like the red/gold brocade trim is correct, it all looks right and you will never, ever know if the shell is the original after over 50 years. It could have been re-shelled at any time from registration until now. As it is impossible to prove either way, it won't spoil the value so long as all is correct to the original. It might be necessary to re-weld the boot board brackets, but new ones are available and it can then be done correctly.

If necessary, even the gear lever hole can be made absolutely right, although I don't think this will be an issue. The engine may or may not be original and many Minis had a replacement 'Gold Seal' factory recon unit fitted. I know my 1961 850 had a Gold Seal unit when it was just 3 years old and with 50k miles on the clock. I'm doing an MGB at the moment and that has a gold coloured engine, which I assume was a factory recon unit.

The key is to make it absolutely as-original and then it will have real value. It will also be very nice to drive as the 998 Cooper was very smooth compared to the 1275 'S'.

You know you want it!!

[mk3 Cooper S]

The reminants of a bolt in the push button starter buldge may point to an earlier shell?

 

I thought it should have a chrome gear stick and handbrake too?

 

N/S A panel shows rot and the rear valanve is a replacement but not a genuine panel

 

I like it but I would definitly want to see it before I parted with my cash. Photos usually make things look better than they are.

[mk3 Cooper S]

This maybe of interest

 

http://www.swva.co.u...ooper-mk1-1964/

 

The magic wand blanking plate does not look right on that for me?

Edited by mk3 Cooper S, 17 December 2014 - 04:23 PM.

[ace01]

I can't quite see the gearlever gator, which would dictate if the gearlever should be chrome or black.  The handbrake should be black.  Bootboard brakets were riveted on MK1s not welded.  In the engine bay the radiator surround is not correct or the bracket to the thermostat housing.  There are also a few other 'bits'. The worst offender being the bonnet. 

 

 If these items were put right a nice car would result.  That is very strong money for the car. 

 

If you are serious about a MK1 Cooper I would suggest buying a copy of John Parnell's excellent book (or the very least buy a copy of the MCR's buyers guide) and possibly join the MiniCooper Register and seek their advice.

[ace01]

I should also add that I like that MK2 alot.

[theRossatron]

After reading Cooperman's post I very nearly just went ahead and pulled the trigger!

 

I'm back and forth! The last couple of cars I bought I did blind and they turned out just fine...

[Cooperman]

I would buy it for between £12k & £13k because it will be very easy to make it totally original or just period modified. The boot brackets are easy to do. The radiator shroud just lacks the rubber edge surround which is no problem.

Even if it cost £3000 for the work which might include some body restoration, re-painting and putting right any minor details it is still an excellent deal.

It's a personal thing, but I never worry too much about whether the shell is the original ex-factory shell because the car is 50 years old and a replacement shell may well have been used in the past. If, for example, the car was crashed in 1966 the replacement shell would have been a new Mk.1 shell onto which the brackets, gear lever hole, etc., would have been done by the repairer.

The shells are all absolutely identical on the Mk.1 and the minor alterations for a Cooper are limited to just a couple of minor things which were added, like the riveted on boot board supports.

When tidied-up and made original it will be a genuine 998 Cooper in all respects and the V5C and, presumably, the Heritage Certificate will confirm this.

Someone is going to have a really nice 998 Cooper after just a small amount of work.

Edited by Cooperman, 17 December 2014 - 07:57 PM.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Personally I would never buy any car blind other than a breaker.

 

I do like it too.

Looking at the evidence - why did it only make 11ishK when sold in the summer?

It does appear to be reasonable value but unless you see it in the flesh you will never know if it is straight?

 

I know there a a few about for 10- 15 K but is that really selling price?

 

You could hedge your bets and pull the trigger with a back out cause if it is not straight or true

 

Good luck

[62S]

There is a lot to like about that car although the chassis plate is a repro. The drivers door is much later - from a late 1970's early 1980's Van or Pick-up and obviously the passenger door has also been replaced. UK Coopers didn't have a chrome handbrake and the blanking screw for the floor start hole looks about right.

 

The £11k it made in the summer is much nearer its value. Presumably someone bought and threw on most of a door chrome set and drivers side non matching dash liner and thought they'd move it on for a quick profit.

 

It was for sale @ £16k last month so it looks as though they are keen to sell it although I wouldn't buy it without a good look around it from a structural point of view.

[theRossatron]

You guys have eagle eyes!

 

How can you tell the doors are from a later model? Also is that the chassis plate looks too new, or are there tell tale signs with it?

[ace01]

You guys have eagle eyes!

 

How can you tell the doors are from a later model?

 

There is a hole in front of the door latch.

[Haynes]

Ive just bought it.. sorry.

 

Now how much did you want it?