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MINI·Sports

Cooper S (Classic)

1963-1971
250 GTO
250 GTO1962-1964
20/175
600 Pullman1963-1981
600 Pullman
MINI Cooper S (Classic) 1963 - Front 3/4 viewMINI Cooper S (Classic) 1963 - Front viewMINI Cooper S (Classic) 1963 - Side viewMINI Cooper S (Classic) 1963 - Rear 3/4 viewMINI Cooper S (Classic) 1963 - Rear viewMINI Cooper S (Classic) 1963 - Dashboard viewMINI Cooper S (Classic) 1963 - Interior viewMINI Cooper S (Classic) 1963 - Detail view
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Rewrote the small car rules. Won Monte Carlo Rally 3 times. Issigonis put the engine transversely, invented modern FWD — every hatchback since copies this layout.

History

Alec Issigonis designed the Mini to be the most space-efficient car possible after the 1956 Suez fuel crisis. John Cooper saw its racing potential — the Cooper S version won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965, and 1967 (disqualified on a technicality in 1966 after winning). It democratized motorsport.

Timeline

1956Alec Issigonis designed the Mini to be the most space-efficient car possible after the 1956 Suez fuel crisis
1963Production begins
1964Wins the Monte Carlo Rally outright, beating far more powerful cars. Paddy Hopkirk becomes a national hero
19651965, and 1967 (disqualified on a technicality in 1966 after winning)
1969The Italian Job: three Minis escape through the Turin sewers in the greatest car chase ever filmed
1971Production ends

Production & Heritage

Production Total45,000
DesignerSir Alec Issigonis
Production Period1963-1971
Estimated Value$35K-$80K

Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.

Technical Specifications

Engine1.3L Inline-4 (A-Series)
Power76 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque98 Nm
0-60 mph10.9 sec
Top Speed153 km/h
Transmission4-speed manual
DrivetrainFWD
Weight658 kg
Drag CoefficientCd 0.47
BodySteel monocoque unibody

Engine Details

Engine CodeBMC A-Series 1275cc
Displacement1.3L (1,275 cc)
Bore x Stroke70.6 x 81.3 mm
Compression9.75
Fuel SystemTwin SU HS2 carburetors

Performance

0-100 km/h11.5 sec
0-60 mph10.9 sec
Top Speed153 km/h
Weight-to-Power8.7 kg/hp

Dimensions

Length3,054 mm
Width1,410 mm
Height1,346 mm
Wheelbase2,036 mm

Chassis & Suspension

Front SuspensionIndependent, rubber cone springs, wishbones
Rear SuspensionIndependent, rubber cone springs, trailing arms
Front BrakesDiscs, 178 mm (Lockheed)
Rear BrakesDrums, 178 mm
SteeringRack and pinion
Tires145/70 SR10

Capacity

Fuel Tank25 L
Trunk Volume127 L
Doors2
Seats4

Source: Wikipedia, BMC Heritage Trust

Tags

1960sFront-EngineInline-4Naturally AspiratedFWDManual GearboxLegendaryRace-BredTechnical PioneerHatchback

Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis

From the 1960s

Featured in Collections

British CharacterBefore 1990

References & Sources

wikipedia.org
Wikipediawikipedia.org
mini.com
MINI Official Heritagemini.com

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