LOT 105

1971 Austin Mini Cooper 1275 S MkIII Sports Saloon Registration no. XOB 818J Chassis no. XAD1-377256A Engine no. 12H397/FH1247

Sold for £24,150 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 105

1971 Austin Mini Cooper 1275 S MkIII Sports Saloon

Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|7 September 2024, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1971 Austin Mini Cooper 1275 S MkIII Sports Saloon
Registration no. XOB 818J
Chassis no. XAD1-377256A
Engine no. 12H397/FH1247

• Ex-Newton Commercial show car
• Three owners from new
• Restored in 1983 (new BMC bodyshell)
• Present ownership since 2017
• Engine rebuilt and tuned (85bhp)

One of 792 Cooper S MkIII models made for the UK market, this example was first registered in April 1971 by a US airman. The second owner, Richard Newton, purchased the car in 1978. Richard founded the classic-car interiors company Newton Commercial having previously worked at BMC's Competitions Department and Downton Engineering, and also ran a racing team in Hamburg: D L Wooding and Co, racing two Mini Coopers, both black and one with gold and one with silver roofs. By 1983 the Mini had started to deteriorate so it was restored using an original BMC bodyshell and new 'dry' suspension. The Mini was then used as a show car for Newton Commercial and appeared in their catalogues and website. It was shown a number of times on their stand at the NEC and also at shows in Essen, Germany.

In 2009 the car was refreshed; found to be still rust free, it was repainted black with the addition of the gold roof referencing the D L Wooding look. The paintwork remains in excellent condition despite being 15 years old. The interior retains the original unique Newton Cooper S reclining seats trimmed in black with gold piping and matching carpets, and a Moto-Lita steering wheel. Other notable features include new old-pattern 10" Minilite wheels in gold; a MkII Mini quick-release grille; and a reversing light.

'XOB 818J' was featured in Mini Magazine (1st January 2017 edition) where the vendors spotted it and struck a deal with Richard Newton for its purchase. On receiving the car they had the engine completely overhauled by CCK Classics including a balanced crankshaft; Swiftune SW5 camshaft; gas-flowed cylinder head with larger inlet valves; and high-compression pistons. The car has been set up on a rolling road and now develops 85bhp. Offered with bills and a V5C document.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Automobilia
- Cars