1964 Mk-1 AUSTIN MINI COOPER S 'MULTI RACE WINNING VEHICLE DRIVEN BY MANUEL LOPES GIAO'

FOR SALE

JF Classic Cars have for sale one very speical 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S for sale, Multiple race winning Mini with legendary racing driving Manuel Lopes Giao behind the wheel 

DESCRIPTION

The Austin Mini Cooper S traces its roots back to the original Mini launched in 1959 as a compact and economical family car designed by the legendary engineer Sir Alec Issigonis

Recognising the Mini's exceptional handling and lightweight construction racing car constructor John Cooper saw untapped performance potential and worked closely with the British Motor Corporation to create a faster, more sporting version. The result was the Mini Cooper, followed by the more powerful Cooper S introduced in 1963.

By 1964, the Mini Cooper S had already begun to establish itself as a giant-killer in international motorsport. Its compact dimensions, front-wheel-drive layout and remarkable road holding allowed it to outperform much larger and more powerful rivals on twisting rally stages

The Cooper S became synonymous with rally success, famously taking class victories and challenging for outright honours in some of the world's toughest events. Its breakthrough came on the international stage at the Monte Carlo Rally, where the Mini's agility and reliability helped cement its reputation as one of the greatest rally cars of all time. Today, the 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S remains an icon of British motoring and a symbol of an era when clever engineering could overcome sheer horsepower

EXTERNAL

Presented in period-correct Connaught Green (Paint Code:GN18) this exceptional Mini Cooper S is far more than simply a restored classic it is the actual car used by Portuguese race master Manuel Lopes Giao

Competing in numerous events and securing mutiple wins number 33 quickly became established as the vehicle to beat! As would be expected of a genuine rally-prepared Cooper S the exterior remains purposefully understated with functionality taking precedence over luxury. The front chrome bumper remains fitted and presents beautifully, providing a subtle contrast against the deep green bodywork while retaining the car's authentic competition character.

The car has benefited from an extensive, no-compromise restoration, completed with a clear focus on preserving originality while ensuring mechanical integrity throughout. The bodyshell was stripped and rebuilt from the ground up, with every component carefully inspected, refurbished or replaced as required. The front and rear subframes were fully restored and professionally powder-coated before reassembly, while the suspension, steering and running gear were renewed to an exceptionally high standard. The quality of workmanship is evident whichever way you look, with the underside presenting every bit as impressively as the exterior.

The investment made in the restoration is apparent throughout, with no corners cut and no expense spared in achieving the finished result.

The Connaught Green paintwork has been applied to an outstanding standard, exhibiting a rich depth of colour and excellent gloss across every panel. Body panel fit is impressive throughout, with straight lines and crisp shut gaps complementing the Mini's iconic shape. The chrome trim that remains fitted to the car is equally well presented, including the front grille all of which retain a fresh appearance and beautifully enhance the car's period competition aesthetic.

Both doors retain the correct sliding rally-style windows, operating smoothly and exactly as intended, while the rear quarter windows open and close cleanly on their original hinges. The surrounding window rubbers and bright trim present exceptionally well and further reflect the quality of the restoration.

Being a genuine Cooper S, the car retains one of the model's most distinctive features the twin external fuel filler caps mounted on the rear quarters. Opening the boot reveals the characteristic twin fuel tank arrangement synonymous with competition-specification Cooper S models, a reminder of the car's serious rallying pedigree. The luggage compartment itself is beautifully finished, with careful attention paid to presentation while remaining faithful to its period roots.

Front and rear lighting units are in excellent order, with clear lenses and correct fittings throughout. The various badges and identification emblems are correctly positioned and beautifully preserved, providing the finishing touches to what is undoubtedly a highly significant and exceptionally well-presented historic Mini Cooper S with genuine international competition history.

INTERNAL

Opening either door of this 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S immediately reminds you why these cars became legends, not only on the rally stages but also amongst enthusiasts who appreciate a purposeful and characterful driving environment. This particular multi-race winning Cooper S combines its rich competition history with an interior that has been restored and presented to an exceptional standard, offering a wonderful blend of period charm and practical motorsport influences.

The front cabin is fitted with supportive black bucket seats featuring perforated centre panels and plain black outer bolsters. Adjustable front headrests provide additional comfort without detracting from the car's authentic appearance. Both seats remain in superb condition with no signs of wear reflecting the limited mileage covered since restoration. A Britax competition harness is fitted to the driver's seat, presenting in fresh condition and further reinforcing the car's genuine motorsport pedigree.

To the rear, the seating has been trimmed to complement the front, featuring grey centre panels with contrasting black vinyl bolsters. The upholstery throughout is beautifully finished and remains as new

Matching grey door cards front and rear tie the cabin together perfectly and present in outstanding order, free from damage, distortion or fading. The overall impression is one of a carefully restored competition car that has been cherished every step of the way.

The black underfoot coverings remain fresh and unmarked, Every aspect of the interior displays a level of care and attention that is difficult to overlook, and the quality of the finish is immediately apparent when viewed in person.

Period details remain a strong feature of the cabin. Traditional single metal door handles are fitted to both doors, while the simple yet effective interior layout remains faithful to the Cooper S philosophy of keeping weight low and functionality high

Above, the headlining presents beautifully, sitting taut and clean across its full width, complemented by the original-style correctly fitted sun visors.

Ahead of the driver sits the wonderfully uncomplicated dashboard that helped make the Mini famous. The centrally mounted speedometer remains calibrated in kilometres per hour and currently displays just 182 kilometres since the car's comprehensive restoration. Some may note it's distinctive displays upto 210kmh!! Smiths gauges provide essential engine information along with all warning lamps, switches and controls functional as intended, giving the cockpit an authentic and purposeful feel.

A period-style three-spoke steering wheel with polished metal spokes and black leather esk rim takes pride of place, providing an ideal focal point within the cabin. It feels every bit as special as it looks and perfectly captures the spirit of 1960s motorsport. Combined with the uncluttered dashboard, competition seating and rally-inspired details, the interior offers a genuine glimpse into an era when simplicity, driver involvement and outright performance mattered more than luxury.

Altogether, the cabin of this remarkable Mini Cooper S is a fitting reflection of its competition success. Tastefully restored, highly original in character and showing just 182 kilometres since completion, it remains an incredibly inviting place from which to enjoy one of Europes most celebrated rally cars.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Powering this 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S is a highly desirable fast-road and competition inspired engine package, built by the respected Bill Richards Race Engines. The engine has been carefully specified to deliver strong performance whilst retaining the character and drivability that made the Cooper S such a formidable rally car during the 1960s.

The cylinder head has been professionally ported and polished and fitted with larger valves allowing improved airflow and helping the engine breathe more efficiently throughout the rev range. Complementing this is a Piper 285 camshaft, a well-regarded choice amongst Mini enthusiasts, providing a noticeable increase in performance whilst remaining perfectly usable on the road.

Internally, the engine benefits from an AEG480 nitrided crankshaft paired with AEG177 connecting rods, creating a strong and durable bottom end capable of handling spirited driving. Fuel is supplied via a pair of recently fitted 1½-inch SU carburettors featuring floating needles these alone costing in the region of £1,150

These modern units offer a significant improvement over many original carburettors, delivering smoother running and requiring far less frequent adjustment, helping them stay in tune for longer periods.

Power is transmitted through the correct 22G333 Cooper S gearbox, featuring a cross-pin differential and desirable 3.44:1 final drive ratio. The result is a car that feels lively and responsive through the gears whilst remaining enjoyable on longer journeys. Hardy Spicer drive couplings have also been fitted, providing additional strength and reliability where it matters most.

Out on the road, the combination works exceptionally well. The four-speed manual gearbox selects gears cleanly and positively, while the engine pulls strongly through the rev range with the eager nature expected of a properly prepared Cooper S. It starts readily, sounds superb and delivers the kind of engaging driving experience that has made these cars legendary amongst enthusiasts. Whether driven enthusiastically on a winding road or enjoyed at a more relaxed pace, this Mini performs exactly as it should and offers what can only be described as a thoroughly rewarding drive 

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

Completing the purposeful stance of this 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S is a set of eight-spoke silver alloy wheels all of which present in outstanding condition with no signs of kerbing, corrosion or damage. The wheels are fitted with premium Yokohama 165/70/R10 tyres on each corner all appearing virtually new 

As expected of a genuine Cooper S braking performance was enhanced over the standard Mini with larger front disc brakes working in conjunction with rear drum brakes to provide confident and dependable stopping power.

Further improving the system is the correct servo-assisted brake setup helping to deliver a reassuring pedal feel and progressive braking response. The result is a car that inspires confidence behind the wheel, with braking performance that remains impressive even by modern classic car standards

HISTORY FILE

Take nothing away this is one very special rare example which has been at the forfront of motor racing and driven by a giant back in the day Manuel Giao Lopes

The Austin Mini Cooper S is widely regarded as one of the most influential competition cars ever produced. During the 1960s it transformed the world of motorsport, proving that intelligent engineering, low weight and exceptional handling could overcome rivals with significantly more power. Whether on rally stages, race circuits or endurance events, the Cooper S built a reputation as a giant killer and remains one of Britain's most celebrated performance cars

What makes this particular 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S so special is its outstanding provenance and documented competition history. This is not a recreation, tribute or evocation of a famous car. It is the actual competition Mini raced by renowned Portuguese driver Manuel Lopes Gião whilst representing Sporting Clube de Portugal during one of the most successful periods of his motorsport career.

According to the accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this Cooper S was built on 30th July 1964 before being dispatched from the factory on 13th August 1964. Little could those involved in its production have known that this Mini would go on to establish a remarkable competition history and become one of the most significant surviving Portuguese competition Minis in existence today

Manuel Lopes Gião emerged as one of Portugal's most respected competition drivers during the 1960s. Renowned for his smooth driving style, tactical approach and remarkable consistency, Gião became a dominant force in both circuit racing and rallying. At a time when motorsport demanded courage, endurance and mechanical sympathy in equal measure, he earned a reputation for delivering results against some of the finest drivers and machinery of the era. His successes brought considerable recognition not only to himself but also to Sporting Clube de Portugal and the Mini Cooper S platform he campaigned so effectively.

During the 1965 season, this very Cooper S competed in a number of important events across Angola and Portugal. These included the Circuito da Boavista in Luanda, the Circuito de Nova Lisboa, Benguela Club competitions and the prestigious Taça de Luanda. These events attracted highly competitive entries and further demonstrated the Mini's ability to challenge much larger-engined opposition through its superior handling, braking and agility.

The following year would prove to be one of the defining moments of Gião's career. In 1966, during the inaugural Campeonato Nacional de Ralis, he achieved an extraordinary level of success, winning seven of the eight rallies contested throughout the championship season. Victories included the Grande Rallye de Sintra, Rali de Inverno, 1000km do Benfica and the Rali Noturno do Sporting, among others. Such a record firmly established him as one of Portugal's leading rally drivers and helped further cement the Mini Cooper S as one of the most successful competition cars of its generation

Gião's ability behind the wheel was never based purely on aggression or outright speed. Instead, he became known for precision, consistency and an ability to preserve machinery whilst maintaining a relentless pace. These qualities made him exceptionally difficult to beat and allowed him to repeatedly outperform competitors driving larger and more powerful cars. His achievements helped build the legend of the Mini Cooper S during one of the most competitive periods in international motorsport.

Today, vehicles with genuine documented competition history have become increasingly sought after amongst collectors and investors. However, examples with direct links to a championship-winning driver, significant period success and supporting factory documentation remain exceptionally rare. This Cooper S represents precisely that opportunity

The vehicle is accompanied by its UK V5 Registration Certificate together with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, further supporting its authenticity and historical significance. These documents provide valuable provenance and help establish an unbroken connection between the car's factory origins and its remarkable motorsport career.

For the serious collector, historic racer or investor seeking a motor car with unquestionable pedigree, this Mini Cooper S offers an exceptionally compelling proposition. Combining documented competition success, period-correct specification, extensive restoration and direct association with one of Portugal's most successful motorsport figures, it occupies a position few classic cars can genuinely claim

This is far more than simply a 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S. It is a genuine piece of international motorsport history, a multiple race and rally-winning competition car, and a collector-grade asset whose provenance, authenticity and historical importance place it amongst the most desirable examples to emerge onto the market in recent years.