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1965model Austin Mini Cooper S 1275 Mk-I Racing Modified 

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1965model

Austin Mini Cooper S 1275 Mk-I Racing Modified

↑↑↑Please watch the archived video above with audio if possible...

A racing Mini Cooper S, built over 25 years to JCCA specifications, now making its debut with the capability to lap Tsukuba Circuit in just over one minute...! With the modification to a milder LSD, it's an absolute joy to drive on mountain roads, fully transformed into a homage to the classic racing Minis of the past—a car that will steal your heart...!

“At first glance, it looks stock…?! No, this Mk-I is anything but ordinary…!”

 

“With a thunderous intake sound from the split Weber, the engine revs sharply all the way up to the high RPM range… That unique, resonant sound in the upper range is distinctly different from the typical four-cylinder engines. It’s the sound of a racing-tuned engine, echoing with a special soul, and once you hear it, it leaves a lasting impression—a truly irresistible charm for any car enthusiast.

‘Make sure to write a good impression…!’ Thanks to the owner’s generosity, I was allowed to enjoy a solo drive for a while…!

Opening the door with its distinctive hinges, I slid into the familiar Mini seat position. After indulging in a few sharp blips of the throttle, I began driving in tune with the engine’s characteristics. And immediately—’It’s light…! And incredibly fast…!’ I realized that this Mini was no ordinary car…!

Accompanied by the unique sound of the straight-cut gears, the racing kart-like posture as it took on corners made me recall the racing scene of 1960s Britain. Back then, both works teams and privateers alike would modify their newly-released Austin Cooper S and take it to the track to race, and I felt a connection to the spirit of those British pioneers.

The exterior, meticulously maintained by the successive owners, has benefited from being kept in a fully enclosed garage, and as you can see in the photos, it remains in stunningly beautiful condition. Needless to say, 56 years have passed since its manufacture, and while restoration work has been done, the fact that it was stored in a sealed garage means there’s no sign of the rust typical of Minis, nor any dents or scratches to be found.

The underside is just as pristine, with beautifully preserved stabilizers and dampers, and there’s no impression of harsh racing wear. The recently refinished black-painted roof is in superb condition as well, so much so that the green trees reflect beautifully in it, as shown in the photos. You can see this level of detail through the videos and images provided.

The LSD, now modified to a slightly milder spec, makes the car usable even for city driving. Though not the ultra-stiff, circuit-only type, it gives the compact Mini a uniquely direct driving feel. The way it holds a perfectly straight line is irresistibly charming…! Shifting quickly from third to second gear, matching the revs with the straight-cut gearbox, and powering through corners with almost no change in posture brought a smile to my face. I couldn’t help but exclaim to myself, ‘This…! This is insanely fun…!'”

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Back in the 1960s, everyone thoroughly modified and enjoyed their Mini Cooper S... Here lies the ultimate way to experience the genuine classic Austin Mini Cooper 1275S Mk-I—the most powerful and exhilarating enjoyment!

“The Mini, with its four wheels pushed out to the corners of the body, truly resembles a go-kart and is a unique, exhilarating experience that always brings joy, teasing the enthusiast’s mind…! Whether it’s an original example or a uniquely customized one, the Mini makes the fundamentals of ‘driving, stopping, controlling’ so much fun that it’s rare to find a car that can offer this level of joy in simply ‘being driven.’ That’s why many experienced enthusiasts, who have driven numerous passionate cars, choose the deceptively simple yet profoundly deep Mini as their ‘final car in life.’

Among these Minis is the ultimate rare gem… The car we introduce today is a 1275S Mk-I, crafted by John Cooper between 1964 and 1967. It’s equipped with all original parts from the era, yet it’s also set up to tackle your favorite mountain roads and winding courses with no fear of breaking down—truly a dream for any enthusiast.

As is widely known, the Mini, with the codename ADO15, was born as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor. Since its debut in 1959, this masterpiece by Sir Alec Issigonis has captivated enthusiasts worldwide for nearly half a century, until its production ended in 2000, with a total of 5,387,862 units produced.

The legendary battle between the Cooper 1275S and the Porsche on the Col de Turini in the Monte Carlo Rally… The ‘giant killer’ legend, where a small car overtook a large-displacement super sports car on a snowy mountain pass, became a story of global enthusiasm. The Mini Cooper S, regarded as an object of worship by enthusiasts worldwide, was produced in a total of only 27,206 units across Mk-I to Mk-III. For the Mk-I alone, manufactured between 1964 and 1967, just 14,313 units were made. According to recent data, as of 2024, only 605 Mk-I Mini Cooper S models remain registered in the UK, with an additional 243 vehicles in temporary deregistration, totaling just 848 cars. The survival rate has dwindled to approximately 5.9%, continuing its decline.

On the flip side, the fact that the number of registered vehicles has been gradually increasing over the past 30 years shows that well-preserved examples are highly sought after, with many enthusiasts wishing to bring these cars back to their homeland.

Source: UK website “How Many Left”
https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicle/austin_mini_cooper_s

Today, nearly 60 years after its manufacture, the scarcity of these cars is climbing rapidly worldwide, and combined with rising prices, they have truly become coveted collector’s items.

This Austin Mini Cooper S 1275 Mk-I, an ultimate collector’s item… The classic look of the genuine ‘Cooper S 1275 Mk-I,’ adorned with the ‘S’ badge above the front emblem, is a dream pursued endlessly in the garage. Late-night modifications, test drives on winding roads and mountain passes on weekend mornings, imagining how thrilling it would be to participate in a classic car race once it’s perfected… This is a passion that has remained unchanged since the 1960s, and surely there are many enthusiasts worldwide who share this dream!

However…
It takes considerable courage and determination to modify such a rare original car that has already become a collector’s item, doesn’t it?”

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This is truly a priceless value…! Over 30 years, successive owners have carefully nurtured and refined this car to this level…! Though it may appear stock at first glance, the 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S 1275 Mk-I delivers an absolutely exceptional driving experience—this is what this car is all about!

The 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S 1275 Mk-I, which emerged from a fully shuttered, climate-controlled garage, displayed its remarkably clean body to the sunlight, radiating a unique aura. For nearly 30 years, successive owners have carefully faced this vehicle, slowly refining it toward their ideal vision and specification. Truly, this is a car that has become incredibly rare over time, making such a build almost impossible to replicate!

This genuine Cooper Mk-I, adorned with the distinctive ‘S’ badge that harks back to the racing fields of the 1960s, is perfect for enjoying weekend mountain passes. With a matching-number 1275 engine and rare original parts kept safely in the garage for admiration, one could return it to its original form at any time. For enthusiasts, this is the car that turns lifelong dreams into reality: the ‘pure enjoyment’ of owning a genuine 1965 Austin Cooper S 1275 Mk-I.

This car was parallel imported, with its first Japanese registration in April of 1982 (Showa 57). The racing modifications began some 30 years ago, with previous owners initially enjoying it in its original state, as seen in the accompanying videos. If you look through automotive magazines from the 1990s, you’ll notice that classic cars, including Minis, were far more affordable than they are now, making it a much easier purchase for enthusiasts.

After enjoying it for some time in its original form—taking it out for leisurely weekend drives through winding roads—the owner found that driving on public roads was not enough to satisfy them, so they began driving on circuits. Their goal was a car that could be driven to nearby circuits, enjoyed to the fullest, and most importantly, wouldn’t break down. Eventually, the owner’s garage became a gathering spot for friends, all of whom contributed to the completion of this racing Mini.

Over the course of 20 years, they meticulously built a machine that could compete in classic car races (JCCA spec) at Tsukuba Circuit, finishing in just over 1 minute—a staggeringly fast time for a classic car! The Mini was transformed into a race-ready machine, capable of contending for first place.

The current specifications are as follows:

  • Carburetor: 45mm split twin Webers, mechanical linkage
  • Head: Kent GT15 big valve
  • Roller Rocker: Kent
  • Pistons: Aluminum JE pistons (oversized +60), bored out to 1330cc
  • Crank and Rods: Rover-made
  • Transmission: Remote cross-gear, straight-cut
  • LSD: Quaife ATB street differential (Cusco 1.5-way differential also included)
  • Alternator: Domestic alternator
  • Starter: Rover-made
  • Driver/Navigator seats: Microcell

The rare, matching-number original 1275 engine has been removed and stored. In its place, the engine has been swapped with a highly reliable Rover 1300, bored out to 1330cc with oversized JE pistons. This setup is designed to rev freely without worry of breaking down. The straight-cut gearbox creates a distinctive sound, further enhancing the Mini’s extraordinary character.

The carburetors are, of course, top-tier, with twin 45mm Webers perfectly tuned. The linkage from the split Weber carbs to the accelerator pedal is a masterful piece of engineering, responding instantly to even the slightest movement of the right foot—offering an exceptional throttle response that is simply superb!

To accommodate the high compression, a powerful starter has been installed. The dynamo has been upgraded to a modern domestic alternator for voltage stability, and naturally, an electronic ignition system is in place. The cooling system has also been modernized. For safety and weight reduction, the sliding side windows and latch-operated side windows have been replaced with polycarbonate (the original windows are included).

The suspension features a Quaife LSD with street differential, reinforced stabilizers, and 4-pot disc brakes for a complete performance setup. The lowered stance and 10-inch blacked-out Panasport wheels, wrapped in 165/70R10 Yokohama Advan-032R tires, give the Mini an aggressive, race-ready appearance.

The center-exit exhaust produces an incredible midrange-boosted sound. Paired with the Smiths tachometer, which reads up to 10,000 RPM, this sharp sound is pure auditory bliss for enthusiasts, with its high-pitched mechanical hum—a sound so captivating, you’ll want to listen to it all day!

All these brilliant elements exude from the nostalgic, classic look of the original Mk-I body, creating a fascinating and exhilarating experience. As soon as the engine starts, this powerful presence captivates everyone around, and it stands strong with an undeniable aura that simply can’t be ignored!

What struck me is that while it may take considerable mental resistance to modify such a rare, original car in this way, the time and effort poured into it by its previous owners is truly priceless. You can actively enjoy the extraordinary feel of this classic racer, while also holding onto the ‘ultimate value’ of a car that can always be returned to its original form. This, indeed, is the ‘best and most enjoyable way to experience a classic Mini Cooper S.'”

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The numerous items of ultra-rare value are truly a treasure trove...! This includes all original pieces, along with an overview of the accompanying parts..

“The valuable original parts of this vehicle, which have been replaced over a span of 30 years by its previous owners, have all been preserved…
All of them are ‘tear-inducing precious parts…’ There is enough quantity to fill the cargo space of a light van, and it includes parts collected by previous owners from that era… It is estimated that collecting all of these items again would cost several million yen—a true treasure trove…!
Please check out the separate explanatory video regarding these accompanying parts…

(Parts Description Video)
https://youtu.be/wbid33C3omU

Regarding the original engine No. 9F-SA-Y. 36441…

According to British documentation, this engine is one from No. 32378 onwards and features a closed-circuit breathing oil light switch using a Purolator filter.

For the strongest Cooper, the BMC A-type OHV 4-cylinder 1275cc racing unit was essential for achieving the 1.3-liter class anticipated in that era’s racing categories…
However, the A-type engine at the time was limited to 1071cc. The idea to expand the displacement of the A-type engine, which was seen as having a limit of 1,071 cc, to 1,275 cc by shifting the bore pitch was conceived by Daniel Richmond of Downton.
Thus, the renowned “1275 Cooper S” was born from the discussions among Issigonis, Cooper, and Richmond, which continue to be passed down through the years.

The BMC A-type OHV 4-cylinder 1275cc engine originally produced 76 ps at 5900 r.p.m. and 10.9 kg-m at 3000 r.p.m. through twin SU carburetors and a compression ratio of 9.7, making it a genuine racing unit that invites the lightweight 650 kg Mini to reach a top speed of 160 km/h…

This precious unit must not be damaged through excessive use in races, so it has been swapped out for the current Rover 1300 modified unit… This original engine is displayed on a dedicated cart in the garage of its previous owners…

Will you display this engine in your garage…?
Or will you swap it back and enjoy the original Mk-I…?
This car surely holds the ultimate enjoyment for you…”

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Postscript on the 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S 1275 Mk-I

“It was truly a wonderful driving experience with the Mini Cooper S Mk-I…
‘If I had one of these in my garage… I would undoubtedly be looking forward to the fun-filled weekends ahead,’ I honestly felt during the inspection.

This classic car has been enjoyed throughout the life of a veteran enthusiast who has cherished numerous iconic classics. They expressed, ‘This was a fantastic car that I enjoyed as a pinnacle of my life, but I would like to pass it on to someone who can truly appreciate its charm.’ This sentiment led to its current listing.

It is filled with a sense of the extraordinary…! This is precisely what it means—if you’re someone with a unique perspective who finds the ordinary uninteresting, this could be the perfect life project for you.
As a car that represents the heights of life, the authentic classic Mini Cooper S 1275 Mk-I offers the ultimate drivability, providing a beautifully vibrant and wonderful escape from the everyday.”

Introducing a racing Mini Cooper S, meticulously crafted over 25 years to meet JCCA specifications, boasting a lap time of just over one minute at Tsukuba Circuit...! With a modification to a mild LSD, this car has transformed into an exhilarating tribute to the legendary racing Mini, making it incredibly enjoyable on mountain roads. I am captivated by this fully realized homage!

“After the inspection, it goes without saying that this title immediately came to mind.
Please come and experience the ‘Blissful Viewing’ for yourself…”

 

 

“Since this is a private sale, there will be no consumption tax or additional fees.
The buyer will be responsible for prorating the automobile tax (annual fee of ¥39,600) and the recycling deposit (¥10,130) upon purchasing this vehicle.
Additionally, arrangements for transportation, such as trucking, should also be handled by the buyer. However, I operate a classic car transport business with my own transport vehicle under my corporate activities, so please feel free to consult me if you have any specific requests.

Regarding Inquiries…
The vehicle featured on this page is listed on the cross-border e-commerce site for classic and collectible cars, “Estate Sale Supremacy®.”

What is a supreme estate sale?
Estate Sale Supremacy® presents vehicles infused with the owner’s sentiments through interviews, documents, and videos, providing a Japanese version of the North American cultural estate sale that organizes both possessions and emotions.
Unlike the low-value buyout approach that leaves nothing behind for the next generation, we express the owner’s feelings sincerely and ensure that memories are firmly retained while smoothly passing them on to the next generation.

We conduct detailed interviews with the current owner regarding past maintenance records and repair history, including inquiries about any accident history. If there is a significant accident history or if the current owner’s ownership period is extremely short and details are unclear, we may decline to conduct an interview to provide peace of mind to potential buyers.

The content of this article is based on an interview with the owner conducted on September 13, 2024, under sunny conditions for approximately three hours. Please understand that due to the limited time for verification, the description of the actual vehicle’s condition may not be 100% accurate. Additionally, the comments regarding the writing content are not all backed by evidence and are based on the weather conditions at the time of the interview and the author’s subjective views.

For questions regarding the listed vehicle or to apply for a viewing of the actual vehicle, please contact us at the bottom of this page. Since this is a private transaction, we will only allow viewings for customers who are seriously considering a purchase to prevent frivolous inquiries.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.”

The detailed condition of the vehicle is described in each photo.

On the top slide you will find 50 attractive photos of the vehicle! Please click on a photo to view it with its description. Click outside the picture to return to the page.

SPEC

Length

3050mm

Width

1420mm

Height

1350mm

Weight

710kg

Engine Displacement

1330cc

FOB Tokyo price is

$43600