When the Mini Cooper was launched in September 1961, the Mini itself was just two years old and had been available only with an 848cc engine. Within the next two years and nine months, no fewer than five Mini Cooper variants were to be offered. Indeed, for a spell in 1964, between early June and the end of August, the 998cc Cooper and all three Cooper S models (1071, 970 and 1275) were in production simultaneously.

The original is considered an icon of 1960s British popular culture. Its space-saving transverse engine front-wheel drive layout, allowing 80 percent of the area of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage, influenced a generation of car makers. In 1999 the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, behind the Ford Model T, and ahead of the Citroën DS and Volkswagen Beetle.

This distinctive two-door car was designed for British Motor Corporation by Sir Alec Issigonis. It was manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants in England, the Victoria Park/Zetland British Motor Corporation factory in Sydney, Australia, and later also in Spain, Belgium, Chile, Italy, Malta, Portugal, South Africa, Uruguay, Venezuela and Yugoslavia. The Mini Mark I had three major updates, the Mark II, the Clubman and the Mark III. Within these was a series of variations, including an estate car, a pick-up truck, a van and even a jeep-like buggy, the Mini Moke.

The performance versions, the Mini Cooper and Cooper S, were successful as rally cars, winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967. In 1966, the first-placed Mini was disqualified after the finish, under a controversial decision that the car's headlights were against the rules.

For many enthusiasts, the Mark I epitomises the classic Mini Cooper with its unmistakeable radiator grills and clever badge engineering. Back in the 1960s, just as now, there was a certain kudos in owning a Mark I 1275cc Cooper S.

Very nice and well prepared Cooper 1275.

Imported from California into Holland in 1991.

Last owner had the car for 21 years.

91 608 KM