1968 Austin Mini Cooper MKII Coupe

In 1959, the Mini was launched by the British Motor Corporation and since that time has been voted one of the most influential cars of the 20th century. It was a popular vehicle, an iconic symbol of the Swinging 60s, and would remain in production until 2000. The Mini's had a spacious interior, and front-wheel drive design. 80% of the floor plan was dedicated to passengers and luggage. In 1963, the performance oriented Mini Cooper S was introduced specifically for circuit racing with a 970cc and a 1275cc engine. The Mini Cooper S won great acclaim when it aced the Monte Carlo Rally four times in the mid-1960s.

This Mini was built at the Zetland BMC plant in Sydney, Australia. It had a top speed of 98 mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 10.3 seconds, thanks to the 1275cc motor. First owned and driven daily by a Zetland factory employee, this Mini remained in Australia until 2000, when the current owner purchased the car and had it shipped to Georgia.

Due to its Australian origin, the Cooper S has several features that were not available on its British-built counterparts. It has the factory-correct monotone light blue vinyl seats and a larger VIN tag that denotes the color of the car as well as the engine number. The engine has the identification number stamped directly onto the block rather than on a removable tag, which identifies the motor as original. The car also has the roll-up windows and an added vent in the door.

The car underwent a cosmetic restoration in 2006. It was repainted in the factory colors exactly as it was when it left the factory.

This car is a two-owner car that retinas its complete tool kit, original owner's manual, and only 100 miles since then restoration. The 1275cc four-cylinder engine has dual SU carburetors and 78 horsepower. There is a four-speed synchromesh gearbox and disc brakes in the front with drums in the rear.

In 2013, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. It was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, it had been sold for the sum of $39,600 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2013