1965 Mini Cooper S FIA

The classic Mini Cooper S has always been a British icon and for those looking to take part in competitive historic racing - the ideal gateway classic. The classics in period were successful in both race and rally competitions, notably winning the Monte Carlo Rally in ‘64,’65 and ‘67.

Another fantastic example joins the DMH racing paddock, with an uprated A-series 1293cc engine and valid FIA papers, offering eligibility for a wide range of championships from Masters series to various historic driver club events. Following a European racing career visiting Sweden, Norway and Denmark, the Cooper returns to the UK campaigning at Brands Hatch HSCC Touring Cars, Donington Masters events, and Silverstone Classic Mini Celebration Trophy.

Joining the DMH racing team in 2020, not the greatest year for the historic racing season, the father and son DMH racing drivers, Dominic and Marcus Holland, managed to seize as much track time as possible from the racing calendar, visiting Donington Park and Snetterton with the CSCC and Masters Pre-66 Mini race at the Brands Hatch GP circuit.

Concluding its 2020 racing season with a final race at Donington Park, the Mini, unfortunately, was sideswiped meaning the Cooper finished 2020 with a significant battle scar, thankfully no driver injuries occurred. It was this track accident that prompted the decision to treat this competitive Cooper S to a full bare metal rebuild ahead of next years’ season return.

The Mini Cooper S is fully stripped and sent away to be soda blasted. After removing the repainted Almond Green and Old English White paintwork, the shell later returns as a beautiful bare canvas ready to start its DM Historics race bodywork process. The starting point with this Cooper's rebuild begins with the removal of historic track damage and quick repairs which results in seeing the entire floor section dropped and several shell skin panels cut out, which includes the rear arches.

Having sourced period correct and specialist replacement sections the DM Historics bodywork team start on reinstating a safe and solid floor plan for this 60’s racer, fitting all new floor sections, front kick panels, rear boot floor, rear seat panels, and new rear firewall.

Next steps following the floor repairs are addressing the near side door damage, near side quarter panels, and then near side front wing.

This classic Cooper S hits its first milestone completing the metalwork phase of its race restoration. Following being fitted with all new floors, front wings, nearside rear quarter, new sills and a bespoke welded in roll cage, this 1960's beauty is given a skim of filler and then handed to our in-house paintwork experts to transform the car to an example worthy of pole position.

Following research into the car's heritage, it has been confirmed the Cooper S left the factory finished in a British classic - Island Blue. A colour loved throughout the Mini's production, even in today's cars, therefore it was decided to restore this proud heritage.

Having completed the primer phase of paintwork, the Mini is masked up and the interior and underneath are sprayed, ensuring complete coverage. Next comes the moment the team have been waiting for! The recently finished areas of the shell are masked up, along with the roof, then the Island Blue is applied to the exterior! Once complete and clear coated, the roof is next, finished in a complementing Old English White. The paint restoration process was documented and can be spotted below.

---

Looking to get your classic for this historic racing season? Contact us today to find out how DM Historics can help. Offering specialist services for race and sports car classics. Enquire HERE or call + 44 (0) 1732 440 494