9 replies to this topic

[Mini Waco]

New Years Eve and 18 hours away from home, I grabbed my brother-n-law to go knock on the door of a complete stranger who had interesting Cars in his front yard lite up with Christmas lights.  We arrived and found a very interesting/welcoming couple cutting down a pecan tree in their front yard.  Long story short, we made introductions and then were given an intriguing tour of their car collection.  Around the house they had all kinds of good conditioned classics including a 1950's London Cab.  Most of the cars were French.  Then we were shown inside the shop behind their house where they had approx 22 classics in various stages, most all European and their love appeared to be with the Austin 7's.  One American Classic was a Model-T hidden under all kinds of 'stuff'.  As we walked through their 'barn', tucked away was a 1964 Austin Cooper that looked in really good shape for it's age.  I was so fascinated in this MK1 that I lagged behind our classic tour to snap a picture trying not to appear rude.  And the end of this fascinating tour of cars, we were chatting in the front yard where I learned the Mini was one of their 'loves' and has been sitting since 2002ish.  Before leaving, I specifically asked for their contact information.  An 18 hour drive home gave me plenty of time to discuss with my wife on the idea of trying to buy the Cooper.  My wife agreed that if I sell my beloved car that has been sitting in our garage, I could attempt to buy the Cooper.  Therefore two days later and back in Texas, I sent the couple an email asking if they would consider selling the Mini.  They had put some cars up for sale, but he told me that he was most reluctant in selling the mini after owning it for over 30 years.  I've been educated that the MK1 Cooper S' are in higher demand and this may be less in value, but the find to me was SPECTACULAR and ended my 2017 on a exciting note.   I read and hear about 'Barn' finds over in the UK, but what are the odds of this happening here in the States?!?   After a few email exchanges and waiting almost two weeks for them to decide, it appears that the couple liked me well enough and is going to sell me their Austin Cooper.  I'm still waiting on further information, but it appears to actually be an American market mini from the 60s. (?).

Attached Files

•  IMG_7570.jpg   96.39K   14 downloads
•  IMG_7571.jpg   100.49K   8 downloads
•  IMG_7579.jpg   64.4K   7 downloads
•  IMG_7580.jpg   38.96K   7 downloads
•  IMG_7581.jpg   76.72K   6 downloads
•  IMG_7584.jpg   69.23K   4 downloads
•  IMG_7585.jpg   71.28K   4 downloads
•  IMG_7586.jpg   80.62K   7 downloads
•  IMG_7576.jpg   84.9K   15 downloads

[panky]

That's what dreams are made of

[sledgehammer]

Best of luck

[Mike L]

Amazing. The last imports to the US were in 1967. If they had it for 30 years that would make it only 20 years old when they got it. It is very probable that the car is an original US market car. Incredible find. Congratulations!

[govig]

Great story.

 

I'd love to live in a climate where old cars don't rot.

[toppers3933]

Was expecting photos of crappy old rotting cars laid to waste away. Err, nope. Lovely cars and a great story. Hope they let you go through with the sale. Needs a project thread for it if you get it. Just so we can see loads of photos.

[Mini Waco]

Yes,  all of their cars were in fairly good shape as the rust that I did see was more surface type..  The couple was fascinating and the wife seemed to be more excited about the cars than the gent..  a neat couple.

[Cooperman]

In a word, WOW!

[xrocketengineer]

Great find!

[JamesC]

Amazing!