My new project - 1965 Morris Cooper S - HOY 500D

[Pete]

You finally landed it, well done Andrew! Great project, very similar to me old MEG in colour. spec, and the fact it was slow to sell when new. MEG was the same, I suspect the factory were in overdrive in this year (to meet homologation numbers?) because I've seen quite a few early '65 cars with later registrations, mine was nearly two years! Later in the year Surf Blue was gone, Island Blue was in, twin tanks , coolers and Hardy Spicers were in at the start of '66 so a bog standard Surf Blue single tank S would have been hard to shift by then I would think. The dealer knocked £100 off MEG which was a hefty discount!

What's the mileage Andrew, 60-70K? Really look forward to seeing your progress, great project!

[Nick W]

looks a great project Andrew
and another 65 cooper S confirming the short heater pipe..
have the swivle visors survived

[foxy52]

The rear subframe has all but rotted away, hence the rear wheel angles. It was a bloody nightmare to move it.

The actual inner 2/3rds of the floor pan appears to be pretty sound, which is probably what has kept it fairly straight.

What a shame I couldnt have got it out of him 25 years ago

Nice one Andrew...!!! u r brave taking on that one.. a lot of work but it will be a cracker !!!.. I just cant understand why it was left so long to deteriorate to the extent it has !!! such a shame but what a great original S.....BEST OF LUCK !!!... foxy52

[Andrew1967]

Thanks for all the comments, much appreciated

To answer a few questions........

1, Yes, I am brave (read also mad and maybe stupid)
2, It did indeed have a flip front once upon a time - long since gone
3, I will check the tyre pressures before I take it for MOT
4, MiniMachine will indeed be getting a fair bit of cash over the next few years
5, I don't have as much spare time on my hands as I'd like
6, The drivers seat, I think, was out of a Morris Eight or a similar car, now removed.
7, Speedo shows 71k
8, Swivel sunvisors and clips have survived.
9, Unfortunately it was owned by a guy who had no desire to sell and didn't need the money but maybe now he has realised it's best to get a little money than let it rot away completely and be worth nothing.

Will be posting up a few more pics shortly.

The 1964 Rust Project thread has certainly given me the inspiration and the belief that I can rescue this shell.

https://mk1-forum.net/viewtopic.php?f=6 ... st+Project

[Andrew1967]

Some more pics of interior

[WMU 211G]

Congrats Andrew on saving another one! A Surf Blue Mk1 S... what could be better as a project...?

I like the period dash, I hope you can rescue it

[cookie1071]

Great buy and project, well done, hope you're keeping the dash

[SMOKE GREY]

Big project Andrew, BUT a proper, genuine car! Be a long road but it will be worth it.

[InimiaD]

"Sow's ear, Silk purse" springs to mind Andrew.
If anyone can resurrect the car, you can. That should keep you out of mischief for a while.

[Andrew1967]

Thanks for the vote of confidence everyone

Started to clean some of the crap out of it this evening and came across this in the passenger door pocket.

Whilst its not conclusive proof to link the registration number to the car, its another piece of the jigsaw and will look ace in the windscreen of the finished car

[Andrew1967]

Any ideas on the make of the dash ?

[Ronnie]

The Tuder screen wash has got to be worth a bit (ex works ) you are making your money back already.

[Andrew1967]

The Tuder screen wash has got to be worth a bit (ex works ) you are making your money back already.

Is it ?!!

Something learnt then

[timell]

Any ideas on the make of the dash ?

Speedwell?

[Andrew1967]

Hopefully Tim

I'm so not up to speed about period extra's

[java gt]

I really look forward to seeing this project get down and dirty with the metalwork side of it.Projects like this and others on the forum give a great tutorial to those of us how have done small scale restoration but never tackled a full on rescue of a rot box.On the plus side it make my 1960 Seven look showroom The very best wishes as you tackle this but it will be worth it in the end.

[Nevsmini]

People that treat cars like this should be beaten up and down the road! But I have seen worse and from what I see it can be saved, which is super. The Reg number is really nice, just like the colour, not that I am biased or anything

[foxy52]

Yes Sir Chris springs to mind ??.. I,m sure he would snap it up as he likes driving classic minis ....finished should be worth 35k ??!!!....best of luck its a super find not for the faint hearted tho lol... foxy52

[rich@minispares.com]

People that treat cars like this should be beaten up and down the road!

surely though, had this car not been stored like this by the previous owner, then it would have likely been broken up years ago?

[dougie1142]

Awesome rescue project! All the best.

Douglas