This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Classic Sale at Silverstone Festival 2025 on Sunday the 24th of August, The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN. Introduced in 1961, the Austin Mini Cooper 997 was the very first Cooper-badged Mini, created through the collaboration between BMC and John Cooper, making it one of the rarest and most collectible early Coopers Powered by the unique 997cc long-stroke engine with twin SU carbs, it offered significantly improved performance over the standard Mini, laying the foundation for the Cooper legend This 1964 example, finished in OEW with a black roof and a correct red and gold brocade interior, is a genuine 997 Cooper backed by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate The car was purchased in 2021 as a project and has been subject to a comprehensive three year restoration by our enthusiast vendor, a Mini restorer with over 40 years experience, completed to an exceptional standard The body was stripped to a bare shell, mounted on a rotisserie and professionally resprayed in period-correct cellulose paint after the required, but pleasingly minimal, welding was carried out. Both subframes were removed, stripped, repainted and fully rebuilt with all-new or refurbished components including brakes, suspension and steering A brand new wiring loom was installed along with replacement door, screen and boot rubbers and refreshed brightwork throughout. The interior was completely retrimmed by Newton Commercial to correct BMC specification, retaining its original character and finish Mechanically the engine and gearbox were overhauled as required, with rebuilt SU carburettors, a new exhaust manifold and full new exhaust system fitted. The restoration is documented with photos of the build process as well as a plethora of invoices from Mini Spares, old tax discs, MOTs and a 'buff' logbook With no prior history before the vendor’s purchase in 2021, the work carried out since has been meticulously documented and clearly reflects the vendor’s passion and attention to detail The condition throughout is immaculate and it is arguably one of, if not the, finest restored 997 Coopers on the market today