1971 Mini Cooper S (mk III)

• Very rare example of Cooper S, version Mark III
• One of only 1.572 examples
• Even more rare to be found in LHD
• Certified by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust as the rare LHD Mk III version
• Last production year of the original Cooper S
• Problematic "wet" chassis (Hydrolastic) redesigned to the classic "dry" (from Minisport)
• 2 sets of wheels
• After a complete service
• All documents were checked and the car was photographed personally by Auctomobile
• Other features: possibility of assisting with registration, transport, insurance, storage and Trusted Checkout payment
• Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Litomerice, Czechia

Reliving the Glory Days: The Timeless Charm of the 1971 Mini Cooper S (Mk III)

Introduction: In the rich tapestry of automotive history, few vehicles can match the iconic status of the first generation Mini Cooper S. This pint-sized powerhouse encapsulated the spirit of the swinging '60s and became a cultural icon that left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. From its humble beginnings as a practical and efficient city car, the Mini Cooper S transformed into a rally legend, winning the hearts of driving enthusiasts worldwide. Let's take a nostalgic journey back to the 1971 Mini Cooper S (Mk III) and explore why it continues to captivate car enthusiasts even today.

Design and Styling: The 1971 Mini Cooper S (Mk III) retained the distinctive charm of its predecessors while introducing subtle refinements. It featured the signature compact dimensions that made the Mini instantly recognizable, with its rounded shape and cute demeanor. The Mk III variant received some updates, including a revised front grille, larger rear windows, and more integrated door hinges. These changes enhanced the overall aesthetics, while maintaining the quintessential Mini character.

Performance and Engineering: Under the diminutive bonnet of the Mini Cooper S (Mk III) resided a spirited engine that belied its small stature. Powered by a transversely mounted 1.3-liter inline-four engine, the Cooper S (Mk III) delivered an impressive output of 76 horsepower. This may not sound like much by today's standards, but the Mini's lightweight construction allowed it to achieve remarkable agility and sprightly acceleration. The Cooper S (Mk III) boasted a top speed of around 97 mph (156 km/h), making it a formidable force on both the city streets and the rally circuit.

Rally Legacy: The Mini Cooper S carved its name in the annals of motorsport history, solidifying its reputation as a true performance machine. It achieved remarkable success in rallying, with notable victories in prestigious events such as the Monte Carlo Rally. Legendary rally driver Rauno Aaltonen piloted the Cooper S to victory in the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally, forever etching the Mini's name in rally folklore. Its nimble handling, precise steering, and excellent traction made it a force to be reckoned with on twisty and challenging rally stages.

Cultural Impact: Beyond its triumphs on the racetrack, the Mini Cooper S became an emblem of the cultural revolution of the 1960s. It symbolized the freedom, vibrancy, and individuality of the era, capturing the imagination of a generation seeking to break free from convention. The Mini Cooper S was featured prominently in films like "The Italian Job," further cementing its status as a pop culture icon. Its timeless design and enduring popularity continue to influence automotive aesthetics and inspire modern iterations of compact, performance-oriented cars.

Legacy and Enduring Appeal: The charm of the 1971 Mini Cooper S (Mk III) lies in its enduring appeal. Despite its age, this classic Mini continues to captivate car enthusiasts and collectors alike. The limited production numbers, the rally pedigree, and its cultural significance have made it highly sought after among vintage car enthusiasts. Restored examples fetch high prices at auctions, and original, well-maintained models are cherished possessions among avid collectors.

Conclusion: The 1971 Mini Cooper S (Mk III) holds a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Its compact dimensions, spirited performance, rally heritage, and cultural impact have elevated it to an iconic status that transcends generations. This little car, born out of practicality, emerged as a symbol of freedom and self-expression. Today, the 1971 Mini Cooper S (Mk III) continues to remind us of a bygone era and serves as a testament to the timeless allure of automotive design and engineering.

The tiny Mini sedan can lay claim to being one of the most significant automobile design of the 20th Century. The simple design broke all the rules, what with its transverse-mounted, four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, transmission in the sump, a wheel at each corner, and suspension by simple rubber cones.
The Mini everybody remembers, of course, is the Cooper. Race car builder John Cooper tweaked his first Mini in 1961. The pinnacle of the line was the Cooper “S” model, commonly fitted with 1071-cc and 1275-cc engines. The name was retired after 1971, not to appear again until 1990.

This is a very rare example of Cooper S, version Mark III. There were so few that they used the Mk.II marking on the body, because it was not worth making Mk.III plaques. This is the last year of production of the original Cooper S.
It was imported from Italy in 2016, the previous owner in Italy owned the car since 1999. The problematic "wet" chassis (Hydrolastic) was redesigned to the classic "dry", ie without hydraulic balls. The chassis is now fully adjustable (the whole set of KYB chassis from Minisport). A new water pump, front pins and stabilizer mounting has been mounted.
The car comes with 2 sets of wheels (new set of tires) and has undregone a large classic service (fillings, spark plugs, valves).
Documents: Czech historic + Italian regular documents.
Condition: Minor cosmetic imperfections on the body (after an older renovation), mechanically absolutely fine

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