When the Cooper version of the Mini was launched in 1961, the run totalled just under 84,000 cars, and lasted 7 years. The Mk II Coopers were to have a limited, 2 year lifespan, during which time little to disseminate them from the Mk I (on the UK side) changed. Limited modifications to grille, a wider rear window, and some discontinued parts were all that BMC could afford as they struggled to survive. This left buyers disenchanted, especially when they saw the Innocenti Cooper, an Italian export model, awash with luxury features, and also noted the positive bourgeoisie qualities of the Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf, with wooden dashboards and leather interiors. Indeed, it is possible that this is one of the reasons for the success of the coach builders Wood And Pickett, and Harold Radford, who built bespoke Minis for many celebrities including Peter Sellers and the Beatles, in a style that BMC simply couldn't afford it.
Colour schemes were two-tone. Snowberry replaced Old English White, and you could have El Paso Beige, Sandy beige, Almond Green, and Island Blue. Optional extras were many; 4.5" steel wheels, arches, sunroofs by Weathershield and others, all added value to the car in the 60's. Monotone paint schemes were rare, with only black and white being used as the Mk II Austin at the top of the page shows. The Cooper roofs were either black, or white.
698 has an interesting history file, where it started life as a Traffic car for the Liverpool City Police. Previous owners include 2 ex-policeman who were unaware of it's past, and who said they would never had sold her if they had known. The interior was burnt out in 1975 (src:Michael Peers-Jones, ex-owner),after the car was stolen and used in a robbery! 8 previous owners are listed on the V5, and the last owner stored the car for 18 years between 1984-2002, in a dry unit. Ex-police cars had a hard life, and like their rally car brothers, will have had replacement body parts at one time or another. This car has had its share, although we've kept as much of what was inherited as possible and practical.
698 will always have a busy show itinerary, and invitation only events are frequently attended including the Goodwood Revival (see left), Brooklands Double 12, Wings & Wheels at Dunsfold Park, London2Brighton via MiniWorld Magazine, pit straight regular at the Goodwood Breakfast Club, and the car that 'arrested' Sir Stirling Moss (read press release) at the Chelsea Auto Legends Show. The car is also featured on two high-profile film props hire company websites. Look at some new pics from Chelsea on the Gallery Page