19 replies to this topic

[Ivor Badger]

One of the very first minis on Sept 59 was fitted with a RH tank for a press jaunt, but any tanks fitted were probably after market extras prior to the S.

When the S came out, the listed factory fitted options were an oil cooler, which was an after market accessory in its original factory fitted form ( the vertical one) and sold as such. I shall have to dig out who made it. The RH tank was also an after market accessory prior to the S, I think Serck made most of them. Also available were a sump guard, close ratio helical box and 4.5" wheels. The 4.5" were listed as available with R6 tyres and in 63 appear only to be available with these tyres from the factory. ronnie MaCartney's 1071 S is shown winning the Circuit of Ireland in 64 on 3.5", showing the rarety of 4.5" at that time. There were also reclining seats, but I am not sure when they were available supplied on a new car

[Cooperman]

Twin tanks were an option from the first minis in 1959. My Cooper (61) was fitted with an extra tank, proven by early photos of it. So many early S's had them fitted as an option.

If I recall correctly, the hardy spicers were not homologated by the time of the Monte in 66 and Stuart Turner was concerned that this would be picked up when the strip down of the winning cars took place.

Twin tanks were an option from the first minis in 1959. My Cooper (61) was fitted with an extra tank, proven by early photos of it. So many early S's had them fitted as an option.

If I recall correctly, the hardy spicers were not homologated by the time of the Monte in 66 and Stuart Turner was concerned that this would be picked up when the strip down of the winning cars took place.

The 1966 Monte Group 1 Minis were disqualified because of the headlights, but they could have been disqualified for the non-homologated hardy-spicer drive shaft couplings. However the (French?!) scrutineers missed these.

[starstam]

Hello  guys,

 

Im negotiating to buy a 1964 Mk 1 1275 'S' LHD in Tartan Red with Black roof. Rare dry suspension. Red/grey and gold brocade trim. Single tank and 3.5" wheels  North American Export car. I knew about the twin tanks and the single tank made me suspicious. I have seen papers and numbers and they are fine. Im a big fun of classic minis but all my experience in recognizing a genuine is from book and guides. Shall i be suspicious of the single tank shall i stop negos ?

[Spider]

The UK built Cooper S's didn't have Twin Tanks as standard until about 1966. The RH Tank was available as an option and may had them, but not all.

 

All the Aust Built Cooper Ss had Twin Tanks standard from the first one. They built them this way for the big annual race at Mt Panorama, Bathurst.

[Cooperman]

Twin tanks were not homologation Group 1 on the Cooper 'S' until April 1966. Even the cars on the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally only had a single 5.5 gallon tank.
Until then they were an option only.