Help needed: how to spot a Cooper made into an S?

[ORX7F]

I don't have the time to ask Gaydon, been offered a nice single tank of 1965 vintage, but I see a Bonaldi servo, proper S engine, oddly placed regulator... Looks too good to be true, 'fraid it may be a 998 with an engine swap, and I have to act quickly....
Help needed from anoraks, rivet counters and solenoid spotters!!
Quick!

[Pete]

Bodily it's the same but as you suggest wiring is a give away. Have you checked the peddle box ?

[ricardo]

Paul:

- voltage regulator positioning: even if modified, check if there are holes behind the stiffener for the hydro position (vertical, blade contacts facing the headlamp)
- speedo
- 7'' brakes vs. 7.5'' brakes + taller master cylinder
- inlet manifold and carbs
- crank pulley
- try to look for the gearbox 22G number

And while you're at it and suspect it could not be original, if it is a 1965 car (or late 1964) check for:
- swingable sun visors
- date stamped on the wiper motor and/or other electrical parts

[ORX7F]

Ricardo, the car is definitely a 1965, pre-hydro. I suspect it's a 997 that was at a certain stage modified into an S. haven't yet seen it in the flesh, but pictures tell me something is definitely fishy. Thermostat housing with a blocked temp outlet, small brake master cylinder, Bonaldi servo.
On the other hand, proper 200kmh speedo, proper boot board brackets (small rivets, not soldered), proper 40819. Italian papers should say 1275 S, but I still have to see them, so as the car, but at that stage I will have to act quick.
Pete, the RB108 is mounted on the inner wing, but at the rear of the flasher, near to the fusebox, in an odd position. On my 1963 1071 it's in a similar, albeit not the same, position.

[ricardo]

Paul, if it is pre-hydro, then should be a 1964 built car. The transition point from dry to hydro was September 64.

All MK1 Cooper Ss should have the regulator box behind the stiffener, dry cars should have it like this: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_00PuU1ovR08/R ... CN0536.JPG
If it is in a similar position as 850/Coopers (and your 1070), than can be something to investigate further: it could have just been changed or as you suspect, a converted car.

Does it have an early front panel or a later one with the cut outs for the brakes? What about interior light door switches? What type of speedo (with or without stabilizer on the back)?

Another point: is it and Italian CKD built car (don't know if Italy had CKD cars). If it is, could explain some oddities?