Decisions decisions - 1071 Rally version or as purchased?

[AndyPen]

Just thinking out loud here folks, but a decision has to be made soon, so here's a little history... what are your thoughts? I'd appreciate hearing them

This car is one that I used to rally in during the 70s and 80s. It got rather bent once in a while but luckily didn't rust as much as many I've seen. The shell is freshly welded now and in paint, so that's sorted.

The car was stripped out in the early 70s and wait for it, I still have most of the original interior. Some of you may have seen the Restall recliner pics previously, these were fitted when the car was new.

I had originally planned to have it in rally spec, but by then we had changed to a 1275 unit and the 1071 was mothballed with 33K on it. That too is now rebuilt, as is the original gearbox.

I am now considering putting it all the way back to being a road car, primarily because I have everything I think.

Alternatively I have the Aley type cage, an original ST sump guard (never used as a dural one came up) and various switches and such like. Thanks to folks on here I now have the twin H4s sorted out, but this week found the original carbs on their manifold... and I won't ever be racing it so????

I'm a lucky but confused guy, how would you rebuild it? Maybe in a 'started to be souped up' kind of form with all trim in it and forget the rally look?

[Daz1968]

My vote is to do it in a way you will get most enjoyment from it, keeping original parts makes it possible to put to standard in the future, I am doing similar with my mk2 cooper and am doing some period mods how I want it, not planning on selling but retaining original parts in case I ever change my mind.
But main thing is to use it and enjoy it, I am not one for the concourse trailer queen, although I do understand some get as much enjoyment from this as I do from using mine. I love to get my old 62 850 out with all its pitfalls inc 3 synchro cone box, but I enjoy the experience, it’s what they were built for.

[iain1967s]

‘Period tuned’ would get my vote.

Start from the standard 1071 spec and trim, then ‘breathed on’ with H4’s etc as if Downton or one of the other small outfits had done a touring tune.

[moita]

My opinion would be original and then put nice period bits on it while you are enjoying it

Cheers

NM

[woodypup59]

If you're the sort of person that likes to "show" your cars, I can confirm that the public flock round rally versions rather than showroom examples.

[Polarsilver]

Had same issue as you.. some years ago i purchased a Works Replica 1275S complete with all the toys & works gizmos .. i purchase car not for of the rally stuff but because this Mk1 Shell is original & 100% rust free.. i was looking for what everyone chases an original MK1 shell to keep & build up, not to sell on but to pass onto my Son & thereafter hopefully Grandson when i have had enough of Life
Currently my Shell is in the Paintshop the only welding needed was to get rid of the Weber Box.. this car should be a 1071 S so an engine is now rebuilt by SMMC and Rod & Team were asked to make it Rev! .. then put on a 4 syc Gearbox with Hardys & the car will be rebuilt complete with that works Roll Gage ( Just in case ) & i have cut down the full length Dural Sump Guard so it can be re-used if needed .. otherwise no spats or external / internal junk and its to be built with suitable upgrade Brakes my car is to be Razzed around just like back in the day.
My only fret and i need to make my mind up Paintshop Quick .. do i retain the Lucas BootLid Reversing Light... well the new Auto Sparks Harness does have that reverse wireing installed so probably the Light will be put back on .
Suggest you build "Your Car "to suit what "You" want to do with it and not what Bonams want to put in their Auction

[Nathan1293]

Like most of the other replies you should do what you want to do.

The original route will be worth more should you sell it, as that's what the market currently wants.

Rally or modified car is arguably more interesting as it's not another "standard restoration" at a car show.

But you could have the best of both, if you want the modified car do it, keep the parts that could make it standard. Should you want standard you can do it, to want to sell it do that too!

[Exminiman]

Agree with above, always seems a certain sadness attached to a perfectly “restored to original” trailer car, where as lots of smiles and excitement attached to subtly modded car, especially if its driven...

For some reason the un-modded perfect to last spot weld car, is for some bizarre reason is worth more...

[Nick W]

my Cooper S was a rally car in the 70s, it was also a road car before this and its first owner was just up the road from me. It was the thought of it driving round where I live as a road car that inspired me to build it as a road car. I can now use it when I like and dont have to worry about rolling it on the track .
Ive added loads of period modifications to keep it interesting as I also get a little board of a 100% standard cars...but do appreciate the work in getting a car back to original spec.

[mk1]

As I said about the 850 the other day. There are plenty of restored factory "original" examples. Do this as a nice quick road Cooper S like what they were back in the day. The true spirit of the Cooper S.

[AndyPen]

Thanks everyone, It was modified from new with a smiths rev counter and those Restalls, and the Grp2 arches must have been added on quite early I suspect. They were there when we got to it in the 70s, as were the 4 1/2 minilites. These did not not survive storage as well as most parts unfortunately, but with thanks to some helpful people on here that is also now sorted.

So period modded as it probably looked from mid to late 60s seems the right way to go. I can decide on the carbs nearer the time, and have had the safety devices roll cage holes welded up. As for the Aley cage I can also decide later, but I won't be cutting the unmarked rear parcel shelf brocade as again, thanks to someone on here, I have got one with speaker holes in the same spot.

I'll also leave a little hint at its past, so the navigator's light on the nearside B pillar will stay, as will the roof light that let the service crew spot us easily at night - it sits in an enlarged hole where the arial sits on many cars.

For anyone on here that may recall it in the South and Southwest, it was the British Telecom Car with Busby Stickers all over it... it's good to talk

[Polarsilver]

I revise my opinion because.. You did not tell us the whole truth did you
Your Car must be returned to the BT Busby Car complete with the Stickers there is No Other Option.

[AndyPen]

I revise my opinion because.. You did not tell us the whole truth did you
Your Car must be returned to the BT Busby Car complete with the Stickers there is No Other Option.

I stand corrected because it wasn't BT then, but the Post Office Telecommunications. Funny how things slip your mind.

[coopertim]

Even though my new car is a very early 1071, I will be building the car with a nod to its past. As it was a rally car for more years than a road car it will keep its twin tanks (Serck), boot mounted reverse lamp and it will have 3 1/2 S rims with welded lugs if I can find any!

Tim

[Peter Laidler]

Talking of which, I see in the newspapers this week a letter from a lady cxommenting that at the Busby share sale she bought her shares for £3 each. Alas, now many years later they are worth......... £1.63p. Good job our Mini's aren't doing that badly

[AndyPen]

Talking of which, I see in the newspapers this week a letter from a lady cxommenting that at the Busby share sale she bought her shares for £3 each. Alas, now many years later they are worth......... £1.63p. Good job our Mini's aren't doing that badly

I have a bag of Busby pin badges here somewhere that we were supposed to give away at events. Wonder if they are worth 10p each?