Rhodesian CKD MK1 Austin Cooper 997

[Vesparados]

Good morning Everyone

during the past few weeks I found myself being lured to a project car I know is more project than car and I am not sure I have done the right thing BUT here goes nothing.

I found myself a very very rusted Rhodesian CKD Cooper 997 I am not certain yet on the year and also have no idea on original interior trim or which of the 2 current paint colors is original.

the vehicle is missing the twin SU's but has the original motor, 100MPH speedo, chrome gear stick and 7"brakes. I am hoping that over the next few years I can get this old girl back on the road but I think she was stored at the bottom of the Indian Ocean for the past at least 15 years she has more rust holes than actual panels. I did however get included in the package deal a complete 850 motor, 850 crank case and a set of South African Cooper S (as far as I can tell) Bucket seats which I will make use of in my Cooper S Replica

Maybe you guys and girls are able to give some opinions as the vehicle stands now

[roger mcnab]

hi
that sure is a project worthy of restoration could have been a beach find but seers roger mcnab

[mk1]

Sounds like a very interesting project!

Any chance of some pictures?

[Vesparados]

Obviously my tech skill is not that grand I thought I added images lets try again

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[Vesparados]

Like I say Tired but I thought is was a cooper and the 1st of them so why not take the chance

[mk1]

What a lovely thing!

In the UK that would be considered to be in decent condition

It'll take a lot of work to get it done, but I am certain it would be well worth it.

It looks like some of the trim is standard issue UK stuff, not the harder to find locally sourced trim.

[Vesparados]

I am considering putting this shell on a spit (rotisserie) and re-shell the car while I build this one back to original spec, so I can at least play with the toy I bought not in 10 years time if you know what I am saying.

but I am still speaking to all the better panel guys I know to get their opinion, I will be sending th shell for paint strip to see the actual extent of the rust and then ask the panel shops their thoughts.

as for the interior trim, what colour do you assume this to be? and the body colour I am thinking it all points to Fiesta Yellow and looking at the roof might be a single colour car with the roof also painted Fiesta yellow thoughts?

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[Costafortune]

Now that is a find.


Were CKD cars painted in the UK? If so almost certainly Fiesta yellow. If not, could be anything - maybe Chartreuse yellow as used on Minor 1000's and MG's.

The dash trim either side of the speedo looks like 60-62 850 Mini.

[Old English White]

That looks a great project . I don't think the CKD cars were usually painted or trimmed in the UK although I agree the original colour does have a look of Fiesta Yellow about it. Could be anything though. I have usually seen Heritage Certificates for CKD cars state "Primer" as the colour.

[Vesparados]

After speaking to some people and also making contact with the BMIHT I have been given the following information.

Abri I believe is on this forum and he is a wealth of knowledge on minis especially coopers he assisted me with the Cooper S Replica on the asthetic points of the car he sent me the following great information that this Vehicle is one of 14 Austin's that were sent to Rhodesia on the 9th August 1962, I have also checked date items on the vehicle and found that the Dizzy is dated 0762 and the horn is dated 0862 the Windscreen wiper is later in 64 and I was unable to find any dates on the boot lock housing. but from this information its i think Fairly safe to say the vehicle is 1962.

then the response I received from BMIHT

"Dear Mr Habib,

Thank you, I have just checked the chassis number, and we do have a limited record for it. On a Heritage Certificate we would be able to confirm the date the CKD component parts were despatched and their destination. The certificate will also state the make and model of the car, but we don't have any further information to that I'm afraid.
https://shop.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/c ... rtificates

Best Regards"

so I feel it not really worth while just yet obtaining a certificate I could use those pounds in many other places.

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[SMOKE GREY]

Great car, looks like chartreuse yellow. Pretty sure there is a website somewhere with more info and I think the South African mini book has details on Rodesian built cars.

[Vesparados]

Okay everyone the Motor has gone to the Mechanic and the body to panel shop now the questions will begin

1. has anyone ever seen this interior option colours or do you think that its a jumble sale of different vehicles or perhaps a Rhodesian thing.
elephant grey blue seats, red carpets, 850 style speedo surround board and the Cream Crackle roof lining and sun visors which look original and very
usable

2. colour of the vehicle I am going to try get the Panel guy to give me his best opinion on what the original colour was and see how the layers look but
from sections where I can see a few layers I am seeing the following
Metal - burnt red ( I assume Primer) - Grey (maybe also a primer or Smoke Grey) then the Yellow (which with some polish looks like Chartreuse)

with all these interior colours in mind and with the vehicle colour being possibly grey or Yellow does any of this seem to tie up.

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[Costafortune]

I've got a photo of a CKD Morris Minor 1000, and it's a complete painted and trimmed shell.

I would pull the vinyl back from the dashboard rail plus drop the headlining out and see what colour you have.

If it's inconclusive, just paint it what colour you want.