1963 Mini Classic Mini

997 Cooper Sedan

4 - Cyl.

Manual

ca2s7l2632XX

Other

Gasoline

I know I know. You want a Austin Mini Cooper S because that's what everyone else says you should want. But the original Coopers (pre Cooper S) are far more rare and are the first foray into performance tuning the original Austin Seven (later called the Mini 850). This is a genuine barn find 1963 Mini Cooper last registered in 1968 as evidenced by the CA blackplate and last visible registration sticker on it. The wiper motor was built June 1962 which means the car was actually built in 1962, the first full year of production of the 997 Cooper, but when it entered its California dealership back in the day it was assigned a BMC 63 tag (still affixed which is a very rare sight!) thereby assigning it the 1963 year of manufacture. The car will require a full restoration, but because it's been in California its whole life there is no metal rot nor is any panel replacement necessary. Even the rear subframe is in excellent shape. The only area that will need welding is just beneath the passenger's side tail lamp where it meets the bumper lip. This is an easy repair even for an amateur. The rest of the work is some sanding, skilled hammer/dolly work, and light skim of filler here and there and a repaint. When I say full restoration, I mean the bearings should be cleaned and repacked, the hydraulics rebuilt (brakes) and all the vital rubber bits replaced, and parts painted to your liking. It will also need an engine and transmission. Sadly, the original 997 powerplant was missing when I picked it up. Only the camshaft and head and shift lever remain (in the trunk). If you need a powerplant, I can help with that but it will be extra $ and is not included in the listed price. Back to the Cooper: What DOES remain are some real choice bits including the front disc brakes, the red an gold brocade seats, and the FULL BROCADE INTERIOR TRIM! That's right, the full compliment of Brocade trim is inside the car, that means the 1-piece rear decklid brocade is there! That piece alone could fetch in the 4 figures since the reproductions are 2 pieces stitched together and anyone doing a proper restoration of a Cooper or Cooper S would give their eye teeth for an original. Also the brocade dash cards, door panels, rear quarter panels, and the rear seat bins are all there.The original carpeted boot board is in place. There is also a nice original metal master cylinder cap on the tall brake master cylinder-- another indication of the early nature of the car. The 100mph speedo is in place as is the original steering wheel. It's a real shame the original engine is gone, and I'd hate to see this thing get a vtec or some other crazy engine swap. But I just don't have time or the energy to restore this as it should myself so who am I to judge whatever plans you may have for it. I'm not interested in any trades and I don't want any tattoo work. I would prefer a local, cash-in-hand sale but if you arrange shipping and send full payment up front, I don't mind this going outside of CA (would be a shame for it to lose it's original CA black plate by going out of state, though). Lots of pictures can be found here: http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/Spank226/vehicles/52059 //www.hubgarage* Call seven6O33lsevenl36 or email to set up a time to come see it. If you are reading this, the car is still available. Mini is advertised locally and if sold outside of ebay this listing will be canceled. If, however, you are contacting me because of seeing this ad on ebaymotors, the transaction will be completed through ebay-- it's only fair.