Austin Mini-Cooper S Downton

Key facts

Year

1963
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

1,071cc
Cylinders

4 cylinder
Valves

Overhead valve
Output

70bhp @ 6,000rpm
Performance

95mph, 0-60mph 12.9 seconds
Price new

£695
Loaned by

Private Owner
Manufacturer

Austin Motor Co. Ltd, Longbridge, Birmingham

Designed by Alec Issigonis, the much loved Mini was full of innovations. It squeezed the maximum amount of interior space into the shortest possible wheelbase. The A-series engine was arranged transversely with the gearbox contained in the sump. The all independent suspension used a rubber spring system developed by Alex Moulton and Dunlop.

The Austin Mini-Cooper was the sporting version of the Mini, developed by Formula One team owner John Cooper. The higher-performance Cooper S, with Downton tuned engine, emerged in 1963. This car was meticulously rebuilt and converted to late 1960s Downton specification by the late Steve Smith, it has been described as “probably the best Mini in the World”. Although built in 1963 it was not registered for road use until 1965. The Mini-Cooper S was successful in motor sport, winning national and international events including three Monte Carlo rallies.

Rated 0 out of 5

…a car of delightful Jekyll and Hyde character, with astonishing performance concealed within its unpretentious Mini-Minor skin

The Motor
24 April 1963