Noble Sisters: MINI Cooper S

The world of classic car collecting is unique, with each model having its own story to tell. This ranges from one-off models to limited editions and even mass-produced cars that have become iconic. The latter category shows how cars designed for the masses have given rise to special or limited editions that have captured the hearts of enthusiasts and are highly sought after by collectors.

Starting this week, Roarington will take you on a journey to discover this type of automobile, which often represents an excellent entry point into the world of collecting, particularly for young people, with reasonable budgets.

The MINI alongside a Cooper 1 Litre. John Cooper, using his expertise from single-seaters, increased the engine size, creating the iconic MINI Cooper S.

The first example that comes to mind is surely the MINI Cooper S, born from the idea of combining John Cooper's genius and name with the extraordinary and unusual model designed by Alec Issigonis in 1959. Cooper's Formula 1 experience, with 16 victories and two World Titles using the T51 and T53, the first cars to use rear-engine layouts, was applied to the small MINI by increasing its engine capacity to 1071cc, producing 85hp. The 600kg car's abilities were first showcased at the 1964 Monte-Carlo Rally, competing against cars like the Ford Falcon Sprint with its 4.7-liter V8 engine and around 300hp, which were attempting to gain publicity in Europe. The images of the tiny MINI next to these nearly 5-meter-long American cars almost seemed like a joke.

The MINI Cooper S changes the perception of the model from a city car to a true sports status symbol.

The result was astounding: the MINI won convincingly, leveraging its agility and front-wheel drive in snowy conditions. The large Fords, defeated, only underscored the event's exceptional nature, reminiscent of the David versus Goliath tale. This was not an isolated success: the MINI Cooper S repeated its victory in 1965, 1966 (although disqualified for irregular headlights), and 1967, transforming its image from a small city car to a bold, unrivaled sports car. With its white stripes on the hood and a muscular stance, it became a coveted status symbol for enthusiasts young and old across Europe.

Furthermore, it would be wrong to think this image was built only through the Monte-Carlo Rally: the Mini Cooper, with increased power thanks to the 1300cc engine, also raced and won on the track, once again outsmarting bigger and more powerful competitors. In short, it's a myth that remains intact to this day.

The MINI Cooper S wins the 1964 Monte-Carlo Rally, defeating the much larger and more powerful Ford Falcon Sprint with its agility.

Today, the MINI Cooper S is highly sought after by collectors worldwide and represents an excellent investment to proudly enter the world of classic cars, perhaps even participating in the Monte-Carlo Historic Rally to experience firsthand the sensations of drivers from that era. For the three Cooper S versions (970cc, 1070cc, and later 1275cc), prices range from €30,000 to €40,000, with pristine examples reaching €50,000 or more. Even more thrilling, why not find an original but somewhat worn model at a good price and restore it yourself? Magnificent!

Small, agile, and quick, the MINI Cooper S is a sought-after collectors' car today. Perfect for reliving the sensations of the era behind the wheel.