Lot 468
1964 Morris Mini Cooper 970S Mk1 Saloon
Registration no. CYB 973C Chassis no. H-A2S4/550825 Engine no. 9FSAX29803
Amended
1 July 2011, 14:00 BST
Chichester, GoodwoodSold for £28,750 inc. premium
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1964 Morris Mini Cooper 970S Mk1 Saloon
Registration no. CYB 973C
Chassis no. H-A2S4/550825
Engine no. 9FSAX29803
Registration no. CYB 973C
Chassis no. H-A2S4/550825
Engine no. 9FSAX29803
Footnotes
By far the rarest of the trio of Mini Cooper S models – the 970, 1071 and 1275 - is the 970S, essentially a homologation special for participation in the up to 1000cc class in international motor sport, of which this right-hand drive, home market Morris-badged example was manufactured 3rd of December 1964. Indeed, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate with the car confirms that the Mk1 sports-saloon was despatched from the factory 7th December to BMC Dealers Marshalsea Bros of Taunton. The Somerset registration dates from 18 February 1965 when it was acquired by first keeper John Philip Mapstone, who owned the car until 22 March 2003 when it was purchased by Stephen Duffield, the second of only two private owners from new.
Unlike so many 970S Minis, which were consumed by race and rally driving owners and evolved into 1293cc or even larger capacity hybrids of one kind and another, most unusually CYB 973C is still to ex-factory, road car specification with hydrolastic suspension, servo-assisted disc brakes, single petrol tank and the interior still standard apart from benefitting from the twin reclining seats option.
Latterly, the entire car has been treated to a concours-standard rebuild by model specialists 'My Mini Revolution' of Houdan, west of Paris. In the history file are two CDs containing some 400 images charting the restoration from start to finish. The vendor advises us that the crankshaft in the engine had been stamped during manufacture with 'EN 40B 707 641-A', indicating that a works 970S component was still present.
Following completion of the rebuild in February of this year, CYB 973C featured in the April 2011 issue of 'Maxi Austin – Le Magazine Des Anciennes Mini' and, as an inspection at Goodwood will confirm, the car is in stunning cosmetic condition with exceptional panel fit, unmarked Tartan Red with Black roof paintwork, and spotless engine bay presentation. The interior and boot area are also like new, too, and the car is as clean underneath as it is on top. For the discerning Mini collector this is a rare opportunity to add a genuine 970S to the portfolio.
Saleroom notices
On page 173 of the printed catalogue, both the manufacturer and model type in the heading are incorrect - this car being a '1964 Morris Mini Cooper 970S MkI', for which the rest of the catalogue description applies without alteration The chassis number for this car is K-A2S4/550825.