1966 Austin Mini Cooper S Sports Saloon by Harold Radford

• Imported from California, USA in 2022 (UK taxes paid)
• Cosmetically and mechanically refreshed 2011-2014
• Professionally rebuilt and uprated 1,293cc engine
• Other performance enhancing upgrades
• Offered from a private collection

It was Harold Radford who, in the mid-1960s, pioneered the then seemingly ludicrous but brilliant idea of a 'luxury' Mini with a series of bespoke cars that were finished, trimmed and equipped to Rolls-Royce standards of excellence at his workshops at Hammersmith, West London. Typically, Radford would remodel the interior, improving switchgear, adding extra instruments, replacing the seats, trimming everything in leather and fitting lambswool carpets. There would also be additional soundproofing; a Webasto sunroof; new front grille with recessed spotlights; and a respray in the colour of the customer's choosing, plus many other modifications and improvements.

This wonderful Right-hand-drive Mini Cooper S was manufactured on 8th February 1966 and despatched to the USA as a Personal Export on 25th February 1966, spending nearly all of its life in the sunny state of California. Built to Radford's Mini de Ville Grande Luxe specification, the car was imported from the USA in 2022 by our vendor, who had searched long and hard to find an excellent example worthy of inclusion in his private collection.

While in the USA the interior had been completely retrimmed in tan leather (in 2011) and the engine rebuilt and uprated to 1,293cc a couple of years later, the work being carried out by Seven Enterprises LTD in Auburn, California. It is understood that the engine incorporates hardened valve seats; an Elgin 103 camshaft; and a Pertronix electronic ignition system. Other notable features include alternator electrics; a Weber 45 DCOE carburettor; an electric fuel pump with cut-out switch; a heavy-duty radiator; and a stainless steel system with twin upswept tailpipes.

The running gear too has been upgraded, featuring Spax adjustable front dampers; Quinton Hazell U-joints; and adjustable lower control and radius arms, while the standard front disc brakes are complemented by Alfin drums at the rear. The wheels are 10" Minilite with Radford centre caps, shod with Yokohama tyres.
The Mini's exterior was refreshed in 2013, receiving a complete respray in Tartan Red with a gloss black roof, A new Webasto cloth sunroof was fitted at the same time. A Blaupunkt radio cassette player has been installed, which is connected to Kenwood speakers mounted on the rear shelf. There is also a three-spoke wood-rim steering wheel and Cooper gear knob. The interior trim benefits from a leather trimmed centre pocket and electric windows, coupled with its wooden dashboard and door trims and a special headlining.

The car benefits from the correct MK 1 rear taillight seldom seen, and B column parking lights. The spare wheel is present, as is the wheel cover. We are advised there are also two boxes of sundry spares.

Accompanying paperwork includes a BMIHT Certificate and numerous invoices for parts purchased and work carried out. This is an exceptional example, supplied with comprehensive documentation including an original Radford build sheet. Interested parties should note that this car is offered with NOVA paperwork, with UK taxes paid. If the car remains in the UK, the car will require registering with the DVLA. The registration NAN983D will need to be applied for by the new owner.