Introduced in 1961, the Austin Mini Cooper 997 was the very first Cooper-badged Mini, created through the collaboration between BMC and John Cooper, making it one of the rarest and most collectible early Coopers Powered by the unique 997cc long-stroke engine with twin SU carbs, it offered significantly improved performance over the standard Mini, laying the foundation for the Cooper legend This 1964 example, finished in Old English White with a black roof and a correct red and gold brocade interior, is a genuine 997 Cooper backed by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate The car was purchased in 2021 as a project and has been subject to a comprehensive three year restoration by our enthusiast vendor, a Mini restorer with over 40 years of experience, completed to an exceptional standard The body was stripped to a bare shell, mounted on a rotisserie and professionally resprayed in period correct cellulose paint after the required, but pleasingly minimal, welding was carried...