Attention to Detail

[winabbey]

I hear and understand what some are saying about having an obsession with originality, down to the date codes on parts that can't be seen, insulation in the boot lid hidden by the covering board, date codes on glass and internals to the engine and gearbox.

I was fortunate to acquire a 1970 Cooper S that had been used as an unmarked (no external signage or Police markings) pursuit vehicle by NSW Police here in Australia. The guy I purchased it from bought it at the Government auction in 1971, used it as his daily driver for a while and then parked it under his house in 1991 when the clutch spat the dummy, which is how I bought it. He did virtually nothing to it in the early days apart from essential servicing. Parts that were replaced, such as the cast iron water pump, displacer with holed hose and one or two other bits came with the car in boxes. The fiberglass insulation from under the bonnet was carefully wrapped and stored after it fell off. He still had the BMC accessories such as sump guard, Perspex wind deflector on the drivers door and mesh aluminium sunscreen across the top of the windscreen.

Since I was starting with a very original and rare vehicle I spent the extra time, effort and funds to keep it as original as possible. I've managed to acquire all of the Police items removed before auction, such as the siren, flashing blue light, fire extinguisher, calibrated speedometer, two-way radio, driving lights, etc. When it's on display I am very happy to take constructive criticism as I may have overlooked something. I'm also happy when people say, "Wow, that's a time machine and a great reference for others seeking originality".

Each to his own on the purpose and use of an amazing and versatile piece of motoring history, the might Mini, regardless of colour, power plant, badging or condition.

Rauno and Bob.jpg

Motorclassica 2019 9.jpg

[Exminiman]

That manikin makes me smile every time I see it, it makes the display, must cause lots of discussion and hilarity.

For originality maybe all Police Cooper Ss should have one ?

NSW police man.jpg

[mk1]

Whenever I see it, I just wonder where the American Indian, the Construction Worker, the Cowboy & the Sailor have got to.

[winabbey]

That manikin makes me smile every time I see it, it makes the display, must cause lots of discussion and hilarity.

I certainly caused both surprise and glee at that display with Rauno and Bob leaning on the door (Motorclassica 2019 in Melbourne), especially youngsters who had never seen a real Mini, let alone an ex-Police version. I invited kids to sit in the passenger seat with microphone in hand so the proud parents could take a photo. No pressing the siren switch though.

[mk1]

A fantastic display!

[Peter Laidler]

Just wonder what the POLICE sign stuck in the passenger window is there for? Does the passenger point to it as they're overtaking the errant other car driver? A flip-up POLICE STOP sign in the back window might be better.

(Or as happened to me on the M6 southbound, while slightly(?) exceeding the limit in my MGB GT V8, the unmarked Saab Turbo that I'd overtaken several miles ago, drew alongside (he'd almost run out of steam.......), put his chequered band hat on and indicated with his finger that he'd like me to pull over)

[winabbey]

This is the portable POLICE sign. It plugs into an accessory socket and can be held up to an offending driver when alongside after flipping the light switch with a thumb, or clipped over the window glass as a semi-permanent fixture.

Hand Held Police Sign v2.jpg

[Peter Laidler]

Got that..... can see the wire now, connecting the sign to the plug-in socket. The difference between your replica policeman and our pommy traffic cops is that ours all seem to have the peaks of their caps slashed, so that it looks like they're looking down their noses at the errant motorists.