Make: | Mini |
Model: | Classic Mini |
SubModel: | RARE AUSTRALIAN "K" - "COOPER S" |
Type: | Saloon |
Trim: | 2 Door |
Year: | 1971 |
Mileage: | 45,828 |
VIN: | YG2S412418 |
Color: | Red |
Engine: | 1330 cc+ |
Cylinders: | 4 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | 4 Speed |
Drive type: | FWD |
Interior color: | Black / Red Belts |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Pleasanton, California, United States |
1971 Morris Kangaroo "K" 1971 Australian Morris Mini "K” (Kangaroo) "Cooper S” Reliable, Well Built & Upgraded 1330 cc Engine ALL of the "Go Fast” Goodies…Not Your Father's Mini! A Fast, Great Handling, Incredibly Fun Car to Drive; The Ideal Road/Rally Car… ______________________________________________ The Mini is a small economy car made by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors beginning in August 1959. The original is considered a British icon of the 1960s. Its space-saving transverse engine/front-wheel drive layout, allowing 80 percent of the area of the car's floor-pan to be used for passengers and luggage, influenced a generation of car makers. This distinctive two-door car was designed for BMC by Sir Alec Issigonis. The performance versions, the Mini Cooper and Cooper "S", were successful as rally cars, winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967. A highly desirable version of the Mini was the Mini K (Kangaroo) built in the Australian BMC factory at Zetland, New South Wales, using 80% local content. This model was built only from March 1969 to August 1971. The Morris Mini K was advertised as the "great leap forward" and was the last round-nose model to be produced in Australia. It was distinctive as it retained features of the Mark I Mini (small tail lights, small rear window, moustache grille, externally hinged doors) but had roll-up windows, vent windows, pop-out rear quarter windows, and an upgraded interior. This particular 1971 Mini K was manufactured in Australia in March 1971 and bears VIN YG2S412418 as evidenced by the quite legible firewall data plates. It was originally a right hand drive car but has since been converted to left hand drive. This was done without major effort as the body was made to accommodate either and the instrument cluster is centered in the dash. The car eventually made its way to Southern California and has been owned since 2002 by the current Northern California owner. It is currently registered in California though December 2016, transferable to a California buyer. The current owner has retained the vanity license plate. The current odometer reading of 45,862 miles must be considered "total miles unknown” as the car has had a replacement speedometer at some point in the past. However, the car has a 130mph speedometer and based on the overall condition of the car, it appears as if it is a relatively low mileage example. The original engine has been replaced with a 1330 cc block and Longman GT7 head (allows unleaded fuel) with ARP head studs built by the folks at Seven Enterprises. The engine also includes a Kent 266 camshaft, 1.5 ratio roller rockers, a Vernier duplex timing gear set, a lightened flywheel, a Cooper style oil cooler, a Maniflow LCB header, and an RC40 DTM Style 2 center exit exhaust. Carburetion is via twin SU 1.5” carburetors (not the smaller 1.25” carburetors) with K&N air filters. The Pertronix ignition system includes an Aldon Yellow distributor. A new front wiring harness, ignition switch and fuse box have been installed. Cooling is by a Super Cool 2-core radiator with an 11 blade fan and a cockpit controlled fan switch. Braking is factory power assisted. A new alternator was been installed within the last few months when the front wiring harness was replaced. The manual transmission includes a KAD quick shift kit and provides a 3:1 final drive. Front brakes are 7.5 inch discs and rears are Superfin aluminum drums. The coil spring suspension includes adjustable anti-sway bars front and rear, adjustable heavy duty tie bars, adjustable lower control arms, and GAZ adjustable shock absorbers. Wheels are BWA "GB” 6”x10” eight-spoke alloys, including the spare. Tires are Yokohama A008 165/70R10 with 7 to 8/32” remaining tread. The interior includes beautiful Cobra Classic front bucket seats with red 4-point Schroth harnesses for driver and passenger. A full roll cage by Safety Devices is fitted with side bars included but not installed. Padding protects the occupants. The steering wheel is a Moto-Lita 3-spoke with a wood rim and Mini center cap. The added tachometer and other gauges are Smiths. Extended toggle switches control lights, fog lights, radiator cooling fan and windshield wipers, all of which are fully functional. All of the interior components are in excellent condition, including the door panels, dash, gauges, headline, and front and rear seating. Red/black "Cocoa” mats compliment the front seating areas and cover excellent carpeting. The unique roll up windows and "Vent” windows function as designed and provide additional creature comfort and ventilation. Rear windows can be extended outward and close and seal well. A 12 volt outlet is mounted on the dash to connect a cell phone charger, radar detector, GPS device or other electronics. No radio or speakers are fitted but a retractable antenna on the left fender suggests the presence of one in years past, and allows for the addition of a sound system should the new owner desire. Sun visors are in the trunk as the roll cage precludes their use without modification. The body is very straight and rust-free both topside and underneath. The doors open/close well and have very good gaps. The characteristic body rot in the rocker panels, floors, "A” panels, and other areas is absent. There are no indications of previous or current significant damage, rust repair, or rot in the body. The red paint has good coverage with few defects including a few touched up chips in the paint that are small enough not to show in the photos and not detract from the charm / appearance of the car. A removable (vinyl applique) decal of the Australian flag covers the entire roof and could be changed or removed at the new owners discretion. It's a great look, especially if you're an Aussie! The exterior trim is in very good condition and the rear bumper is excellent, straight with brilliant chrome including the desirable MKI factory over-riders. The chrome plastic trim along the rockers/wheel wells is excellent and extends over the very rare, factory flares on the body of the Australian Mini "K” (Kangaroo). All glass is excellent and free from damage, cracks and significant imperfections. The stock front bumper has been removed and replaced with a chrome bar proudly displaying two prominent Lucas driving lights as seen on many Mini rally / race cars. Both headlights have wire mesh stone guards. A large British style front plate is mounted stating "TOOGRVY”. Small, high quality stainless steel TEX outside rear view mirrors are in place. Each of the twin, factory fitted fuel tanks has a locking gas cap with an attractive chrome quick-release outer cap. The wheels have no curb rash and the car has a matching new wheel with and excellent spare. The trunk is tidy and contains a newer battery, a full size spare, a thick Mini Australian Mini "K” Workshop Manual and a car cover. The fiberboard panel inside the trunk lid is signed by Phil Wicks, professional Mini race car driver & instructor, who drove the red Mini in the classic car chase in the 1969 movie "The Italian Job”. The engine compartment is clean and received the benefit of a fresh front wiring harness within 1,000 miles. Having owned more Mins than we can count during the past 30+ years, we can say without hesitation, that this one is a very special car, indeed. Many Mini experts would agree that the Australian built Mini "K” is arguably one of the most desirable of the classic Mini cars of the 1960's -1970's. Not only does this car have the best combination of MKI features and later model benefits, this car is set up perfectly as a car for the Mini or sports car enthusiast. We still own our original, restored, one owner 1967 Mini Cooper "S”, and this car is faster, offers better handling, and is simply a blast to drive. When we reach for the keys for a spirited drive…the Mini "K” has been our choice. The build quality is high and is documented by supporting receipts. The Mini runs very strong and does not exhibit any drivability issues. Any fluid leaking is limited to a dime size drop after the car sits for some time. It is not a "leaker” but is British, so for us to say it is totally "leak free” would be less than accurate. The car's mechanical history shows care by previous owners and professional maintenance by knowledgeable Mini and British car technicians. The car has not been subject to repairs by amateur mechanics in home garages, and it shows. Once underway, the car's performance advantage over any stock Mini, including a 1275 cc, becomes apparent. The car is very quick and pulls strong through every gear. There are no unusual noises from the engine or drive-line. The syncromesh gearbox operates as designed and the short shift kit makes a significant difference in drivability and the car's gearing allows for spritely low end driving and the ability to cruise on today's freeway system with no strain. Handling is far superior to most Minis that we have owned result in flat, confidence building cornering / handling. With the powerful 1330+ cc engine, there are no longer worries about going traveling longer distances in that underpowered 850cc Mini. This 1971 Australian Mini K is truly an ideal road/rally car and is turn-key ready. Even though many costly high performance goodies have been installed (receipts provided), the car has never been tracked and has been owned by mature adults who used the car as a weekend "driver.” Perhaps most important, the "K” has not been modified to the point where drivability is affected and the car has always provided reliable The Mini is ready for a new owner to drive and enjoy without further cost or labor. Thank you, Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451
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