Feb 64' Austin 1071 Cooper S

[SteveG]

The car is now back on its original plate number (see photo above)

The first run did not go well. Bogging down in 1st and 2nd and blowing exhaust gasket after less then 20 miles.

I have had James Robinson (KAS24) helping now. He drives one of those slow 970s's which joking aside is similar to my car. Has the same 544 cam and same head (940) So setting up is similar to his. He took away the carbs and they have been treated to a full rebuilt. Most parts zinc plated and look fantastic. The dizzy was sent to a performance garage and had a overhaul. It was not in great condition i'm told so that was a worth while exercise.

Over the weekend he came round again and after a coffee got stuck into it (he likes to talk so I had to keep him focused) Carbs had been refitted during the week and Dizzy went back in Sunday. After some (alot) of tweaking he got it just right. Then new copper core lead was cut to length and fitted to new side entry cap. New rotor fitted also. Moment of truth came and she fired up 1st time and sounded sweet as a nut even before getting it on the strobe.

2 very happy faces hopped in and went for a spin.

The good: No bogging, sounded very smooth and things were great

The bad: Nasty new drift shaft noise so could not drive more then about 150 meters before turning back. Clutch not working well and crunching into 1st.1

Overall very happy with the engine progress. Not sure how long the exhaust gasket will hold. May need to either reface manifold or buy a new manifold if it blows again.

Thanks James for the help and Alasdair Brass (66S) for ongoing 24/7 phone support (and very cheap at 2.99/minute)

[66S]

Good onya Steve. Keep buffing, you're nearly there!!

Al

[SteveG]

3rd update today.

Over the last week I have started trying to track down former owners to get some history. I have had great success.

To cut a long story short I have got hold of 4 previous owners from the 60's The car early on was used on track days, hill climbs and such. Mid to late 60's racing got a bit more serious. The owner then bought it for racing. He was told by the dealer in Wellington it was a 1275 S. Not till later (and money changed hands) did the ownership papers show up showing it as a 1071 Cooper S! It was found to be too slow on the straights and he bought a new 1275 Cooper S engine from a company importing them. It cost a arm and a leg i'm told and he had to do alot of overtime to buy it! Over the next 2 years it raced all around new zealand in the North and South Islands. Highlights were it racing in support races for the 1968 New Zealand Grand Prix in Pukekohe race track and Levin international race track. These F1 races had all the top drivers including Bruce Mclaren, Jim Clark and NZ's Chris Amon in the Ferrari so they would have been big events drawing big crowds. The driver unfortunately got married and his racing mini had to make way for a house deposit! He sold it to The 'Lang's' members of the Wellington Car club. The wife Barbara Lang used to take it to Port Road drags which were famous back in the day. It was a road strip along side the beach. It was clocked at 118mph with the 1275 Engine and used to win its class often.

I have been emailed a few more photos from 1965 and Pukekohe race track but am promised more are coming in the post as and when they are found. The car got painted all white in 1967 to allow better sponsorship to show on the car. A deal was almost done with Mobil but he only ended up getting 4 cans of petrol free! Not much of a deal.

When I get more info i'll post updates. The driver from 67-69 wants to come down and reunite with the car again. Will be quite special.

[SteveG]

A couple more photos from the 2nd owner Donn Anderson

[SteveG]

I think I previously mentioned Donn Andersons friend back in 65' owned a Morris Cooper S. He preferred the look of the Austin grille and asked Donn if he would mind swapping. Back in those days Donn tells me originality didn't really matter and they swapped! The Morris Grille stayed for a few years

[66S]

Really neat photos Steve, you are very lucky to have them. Thanks for posting.

Al

[mk1]

I just love this thread, it's what the forum is all about!

Keep posting updates, I'm waiting for the next one.

[SteveG]

Thanks Alasdair for the kind words.

Mark, I feel under pressure to come up with the goods now! I'm told there are photos in the mail from late 60's so will scan when I can.

Cheers
Steve

[SteveG]

Been spending a few weeks working on some details. The car is now running pretty sweet. Need wheel alignment done. Its back on 4.5 S wheels and looks the part.

I have sorted the heater hoses since this photo. Really happy how its coming together. I think we all know these things are never really 'finished' ? keeps it interesting though.

I need to source an original heater valve, plug caps, more '2 wire' clips and other bits.

Went for several small drives over the weekend. Tweaking something each time. I can not stop smiling each time I drive it! Its fantastic and great fun. I drove past the old guy round the corner in his restored 1275 gt. We gave each other the little wave which only mini owners know about. I think we were both out just having fun in our minis without actually going anywhere with a purpose. The little wave was nice but the grins on our faces was great!

[SteveG]

I just got sent these 2 original photos from 1968 at a track somewhere in the South Island NZ.

He had the car painted white to attract more sponsors. Mobil 1 Came on board but instead of giving much needed cash they supplied 4 cars of race fuel!