A MINI with Monte Carlo rally history is up for sale – but will set you back a lot less than an original Cooper S.
This 1960 car started life as a standard Mini-Minor and was upgraded to rally specification for the first Monte Carlo Challenge in 1990.
It set off from Glasgow on its epic trip to the south of France and led the rally outright until its drivers, Mr Shand and Mr Mackley, made a navigational error on the final day and it ended up ninth overall.
As well as tackling the icy Alps in the darkness of night, the pair told how they had to cope with a Monte Carlo policeman fingering his gun as they struggled to exit a tiny square while lost in the Principality.
Regularly updated, the Mini now has a competition 1310cc A-Series engine, Cooper S spec brake discs and drums, Mk1 bodyshell, heavy-duty suspension, four-synchro gear transmission and FIA roll cage, so it’s ready to tackle any stage once again.
The price for this race-ready car with a colourful history is expected to be between £9000 and £13,000 when it goes to auction on October 16 at Duxford, Cambridgeshire.
As former racing driver John Markey, who sourced the car for auctioneers H&H Classics, said: “What a perfect car to use and enjoy for such a small outlay.”
