Cooper S Minis won the tough long-distance Monte Carlo in 1964 and again in 1965. When Timo Makinen won again the French authorities declared the win null and void. The Mini had broken the rules. How? It had the wrong sort of headlamp bulbs, said the absurd and xenophobic officials. It was sweet revenge when a Cooper S won again in 1967 marking its ground as a formidable competitor and cementing its place in our hearts. (Jonathan Glancey, A History of the Automobile, 2004)

It comes as no surprise then that road-going variants of the iconic underdog still have the potential to work us to frenzy even today. Guided at a sensible level for what is a restored but not concours example this fetching 1275cc and twin-tanked Cooper S is surely worthy of consideration?

The matching numbers engine, itself rebuilt, rebored and married with new pistons in c2007 has travelled just 100 miles since this time as the car has been stored for a long-time awaiting restoration. To that end, this 1275 ‘S' was the recipient of a full bare metal respray and corrective body repairs some three years ago which has been completed to a high standard and standing the test of time. Some 18 months later the chrome work was addressed as were the door rubbers. Likewise, the padding in the front seats was refilled but shrouded with the original seat coverings giving a lovely patina of age.

Now offered in complete and running order with MOT, this 1275 Cooper S with webasto roof is shod with correct size but wider track Mini Cooper tyres - a common upgrade. Offered for sale with UK V5C, MOT and some sundry invoices and history only a change of circumstance with the owner makes this car available today.