Buying Guide: Mk3 Mini Cooper S
Buying a Mini, any Mini, requires a great deal of care and research and probably more than most other classic cars. This is simply down to the long duration of Mini production, the large number of models and the huge range of modifications that have been made to production models and produced by the aftermarket. Buying a Cooper S needs even more careful investigation due to the value differences between Coopers and most other models and the easy interchangeability of parts. This has resulted in the creation of many ringers; in the case of Cooper Ss, a converted, standard Mini given an identity from a scrap Cooper S logbook. Some are very well done and this is why thorough investigation is essential.
Introduced in March 1970, following the end of Mk2 S production in February 1970, the UK Mk3S continued in production only until July 1971. Exact production numbers are unknown due to poor factory records of the period but it is believed that fewer than 800 Mk3Ss were made for the home market. This makes it one of the rarest of all Mini models from the start so today, due to the nature of the car and the fact that many were used in competition, there are not many remaining.
The Mk3S specification was a lot closer to standard Mini spec. than the previous Mk1 and 2 Ss. It is, in reality, a Mini 1000 with a more powerful and larger engine, much better brakes and the Hydrolastic suspension system carried over from the Mk2 S. That is a statement of fact and is in no way meant to be derogatory; the Mk3 S is still a truly fantastic car and I have always wanted one right from the moment they were launched.
The similarity in appearance to the standard 1000 model, in some ways, makes the Mk3S more appealing. It was monotone. Gone were the bright trims around the doors. The bonnet badge was common to all contemporary round-nosed Minis. The grille was the same as that of the Mini 850 and
