1994model Checker Marcos Mini 1275

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1994model

Checker Marcos Mini 1275

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

The Checker Marcos Mini, a tribute to the legendary Mk-I Cooper S, was released exclusively in Japan with only 100 units produced…! Powered by a Longman Stage III head and a Kent 285 cam, its roaring 90 HP combined with a lightweight 690 kg body made it the ultimate pleasure-driven Mini…!

The distinct high-pitched sound of a finely tuned short-stroke engine echoes through the forest roads…
Emerging from a corner with perfect balance, a classic Mini paying homage to the Mk-I Cooper S sprints through the winding roads, exuding the unmistakable aura of a tuned car. Just hearing the crisp exhaust notes makes one feel, “This is something truly special…”

At first glance, it might not catch your eye (which makes it even better!). The owner has even replaced the emblem with a standard one to suit their taste (another charming touch!). This classic Mini, reminiscent of the narrow-bodied Cooper S Mk-I, hides its true identity well. However, a mere six-digit chassis number (CM3058) tells a different story—it is, in fact, the ultra-rare Checker Marcos Mini 1275, a car commissioned and sold by Checker Motors in 1994, with only 100 units ever produced in the UK under the theme of reviving the legendary Cooper S. Today, it has ascended to the status of a true collector’s gem.

Let’s delve into the details of what makes the Checker Marcos Mini such a rare and valuable machine…

The mastermind behind tuning this engine was none other than Richard Arthur Longman, a legendary Mini tuner who took the British racing scene by storm in the 1970s. Competing in the 1978 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with a self-tuned Clubman Mini, he won an astonishing 11 out of 12 races. The following year, he continued his domination with 10 wins in 12 races, securing back-to-back overall titles.

Responding to a special request from Japan, only 100 units of this 1275cc engine were meticulously tuned in the UK. Its performance far surpasses that of the Mk-I racers from the 1960s. Equipped with a Stage III Longman tuning head and a Kent 285 high-lift cam, and managed by twin SU HS4 carburetors, this engine delivers 90 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, with a compression ratio of 10.25:1. This wildly eccentric setup was the ultimate match for the lightweight Mini chassis—an absolute dream for any driving enthusiast. Even those who aren’t hardcore Mini fans would be tempted to say, “I need to drive this…!”

Checker Marcos 1275cc Engine Specifications:

Original Checker Marcos Mini 1275cc tuned engine
Richard Longman Stage III tuning head with big valves (Inlet: 36.5mm / Exhaust: 29.0mm)
Kent 285 high-lift cam
Twin SU HS4 carburetors
Compression ratio: 10.25:1 / Max Power: 90hp @ 5,500rpm
Bore & Stroke: 70.61mm x 81.28mm

The sight of its classic exterior, reminiscent of the legendary Mini Cooper S Mk-I 1275, is enough to set your heart racing…! And the moment you fire up the engine, its finely tuned heartbeat fills you with excitement, instantly putting you in the mood for a spirited drive. Now, let’s take a closer look at the 1994 Checker Marcos Mini in all its glory…!

The owner temporarily deregistered the car in March of Reiwa 5 (2023) to undergo a long-term exterior restoration. Now freshly completed, the vehicle was taken out with a temporary plate for a drive through scenic forest roads, allowing us to capture it in action on public roads. Be sure to watch the introductory video along with this review…!

The first thing that catches the eye is its stunning outlook, reminiscent of the legendary Cooper S from the 1960s racing scene—it looks as if it just rolled out of a historic motorsport event! The beautifully finished white body with a black roof has been fully repainted in its original color, giving it a fresh and immaculate appearance. Even the inside of the rear trunk has been carefully painted, reinforcing the car’s pristine condition.

According to the owner, this Mini was originally a garage-kept, rust-free example—a rarity among classic Minis. Common corrosion-prone areas such as the lower door sections, rear wheel arches, the area beneath the headlights, and the rain gutter corners show no signs of rust or bubbling, proving its well-preserved state.

Inside, the cabin retains much of its originality, with the exception of Ralliart reclining semi-bucket seats, which show some signs of aging. The classic Smiths center speedometer, water temperature gauge, and oil pressure gauge remain in place, complemented by a Smiths tachometer, further enhancing the period-correct motorsport feel.

True to the spirit of the classic Mini, the minimalist, crystal-clear windows provide a striking view of the interior. While time has added a touch of patina, the black interior color perfectly complements the exterior, exuding a race-ready aesthetic that excites any Mini enthusiast.

Of course, this is just my personal opinion, but I believe the interior—especially the seats—leaves room for future refinement, allowing the next owner to enjoy the process of making it their own.

Examining the engine bay, suspension, undercarriage, and chassis, it’s evident that this Mini remains largely original to its 1994 factory configuration. Given the vast array of aftermarket parts available for Minis, this car presents a wonderful opportunity for an enthusiast to fine-tune and personalize it to their liking—a true canvas for Mini lovers to create their dream machine.

1994 Checker Marcos Mini 1275cc – Serial #CM3058 … Post-Feature Notes …

A little before this feature, I had the rare opportunity to drive a genuine 1965 Cooper S Mk-I—not just any Cooper S, but one that had been finely race-tuned, pushing just under 100HP on a chassis dynamometer. The experience was nothing short of exhilarating. The compact body shot forward like a racing kart, cornering with absolute precision, without a hint of body roll. It was a visceral reminder of the raw, direct feel that only a properly tuned Mini can deliver.

Yet, as thrilling as it was, I couldn’t ignore the reality—over half a century later, the Cooper S has become an increasingly rare and valuable classic. Prices have skyrocketed against the wishes of true enthusiasts, making it difficult to enjoy such a car in any situation without hesitation. The era where one could casually drive an original, pushing it to its limits without concern, has sadly begun to fade.

And that’s when a thought crossed my mind…

What if there was a perfect homage—one that you could pull out anytime, without restraint?

Life only happens once. And with that in mind, wouldn’t it be incredible to own a machine that could instantly transport you back to the glorious 1960s—when driving was pure, exhilarating, and truly fun?

A tribute to the legendary Mk-I Cooper S, the Checker Marcos Mini was released exclusively in Japan, with only 100 units ever produced! Fitted with a Longman Stage III head and a Kent 285 cam, its ferocious 90HP output, combined with a lightweight 690kg body, made it the ultimate expression of Mini driving pleasure—pure exhilaration on four wheels!

A car so captivating, it makes you forget time itself—a true homage to the golden era of the 1960s.

For those who crave the thrill of winding roads and the ultimate driving experience, we invite you to Kanagawa to experience it firsthand. Don’t miss this chance to relive Mini’s finest moments behind the wheel!

1994 Checker Marcos Mini 1275 – Now Available in Kanagawa

This 1994 Checker Marcos Mini 1275 is currently located in Kanagawa Prefecture.

As a private sale, there are no additional taxes or dealership fees. However, the buyer will be responsible for:

Recycling deposit fee of ¥10,100
Transportation/shipping arrangements

For those who require transport assistance, my company also provides classic car transport services using our own carrier. Feel free to inquire if needed.

Inquiries & Vehicle Listing Information

This vehicle is listed on the cross-border classic and collectible car marketplace, Estate Sale Supremacy®.

What is Estate Sale Supremacy®?

A true Supremacy-level estate sale is about more than just selling a car—it’s about preserving the passion and history behind it. Unlike standard lowball trade-ins, Estate Sale Supremacy® ensures that cherished vehicles are properly introduced to the next generation through detailed interviews, articles, and videos.

For every listing, we conduct thorough interviews with the current owner, reviewing maintenance records, repair history, and accident reports. If a vehicle has had significant accident damage or if the owner’s history with the car is too short to verify details, we do not list it, ensuring buyers have the utmost confidence in their purchase.

About This Feature & Vehicle Condition

This article was written based on a three-hour owner interview and vehicle review conducted on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM under cloudy skies. While the car is currently under temporary deregistration, it was driven on public roads with a provisional license plate for filming and photography.

Please note:

The vehicle’s condition may not be described with 100% accuracy due to time constraints.
The article’s contents reflect the author’s observations and subjective opinions at the time of review.

How to Inquire or View the Car

For inquiries or to schedule a viewing, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.

Important: As this is a private sale, in-person inspections are only available to serious buyers who are actively considering a purchase.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your inquiries.