INFO GUIDE: 1964 - 1965 Morris Mini Cooper S (MK1 970)

This identification guide has been written the Morris MK1 Cooper S (970cc) produced for a 10 month period from 1964 to 1965. Follow this link for the equivalent 970cc Austin Cooper S. The 970cc Cooper S was a special-order homologation derivative produced by BMC to allow the Cooper S to compete in Group 1 racing events,¹ and is noted in particular for its victory in the 1964 European Touring Car Championship.²

The 970cc Cooper S was the lowest production British-built Cooper S, and was manufactured alongside both the 1071cc and 1275cc Cooper S at the Longbridge plant in the UK,³ with export markets believed to have included South Africa, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Ireland, Belgium, and Chile. Although the performance of the 970cc Cooper S is inferior to the later 1275cc models, the scarcity of this model and its ability to compete in the under 1000cc racing class make it particularly desirable, and this guide intends to provide a detailed outline of the original specification for the benefit of enthusiasts and restorers.

Period of manufacture:

June 1964 – April 1965⁴

Number produced:

Homologation regulations at the time required 1000 units to be produced within one year, however, several sources confirm that 963 units are believed to have been built.⁵ This figure includes 481 Austin and 482 Morris derivatives.⁶ The British market received 397 of the Morris cars, and export markets received 85.⁷ We have not yet been able to obtain information with respect to export numbers on a country basis.