1965 Austin Mini Cooper S
A diminutive powerhouse, the 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S serves as a tribute to the ingenuity and vision of its creator, Alec Issigonis, and the motorsport expertise of John Cooper.
Issigonis, the brain behind the Mini, initially scoffed at the idea of a high-performance Mini. Yet, John Cooper, a name synonymous with racing car production and familiar with the BMC A-Series engine, saw potential where others did not.
After driving a Mini prototype, Cooper was convinced of its capabilities in racing. The Mini Cooper was born in 1961 and quickly became a force to be reckoned with on the racing scene.
Under the hood, the Mini Cooper S is powered by a modified version of BMC’s A-Series engine, which Cooper had previously tuned for the company’s Formula Junior program.
Its 1275 cc engine, capable of 78 horsepower at 5800 RPM was all that was needed in such a compact frame. At only 10 feet long and under 5 feet wide, the Mini had a nimble footprint, perfect for tight spaces and quick maneuvers.
The Mini Cooper’s exceptional roadholding abilities and favorable power-to-weight ratio allowed it to punch above its weight, taking on and often defeating larger-capacity rivals. On tight, twisting circuits, the car was a force to be reckoned with, frequently vying for outright victory.
Spectators were captivated by the Mini Cooper’s spectacular cornering style, with its main drivers exhibiting a sideways approach that became synonymous with the car’s spirited performance.
The Mini’s unparalleled driveability and user-friendly nature have secured its position at the forefront of Historic saloon car racing, where it continues to thrill enthusiasts to this day.
The 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S represents a pivotal moment in automotive history, where a small, unassuming vehicle defied expectations and became a giant-slayer on the racetrack.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
