Mini Cooper S Mk3 restoration

First task - as always - was to document the car, and to try to separate the original items from thoose that were replaced at a time. After this, we dismantle the car and put everything into labeled pockets and boxes. The car is a very good restoration base in deed. The body number, and the commision number are correct for an S. It has its original hydrolastic suspension, correct speedo, twin tanks, original tank mounts, S brakes etc. Many of the dated parts are correct. It has all original body panels, including the front wings and shroud. It is in pretty good condition, although stange things can be hidden under the paint. The engine and the gearbox are not original though, they are from a Innocenti Cooper. The gearbox is not that much of a problem, as the gearset inside the Innocenti box proved to be a correct close ratio type, I will put it into a 4 syncro remote housing if possible. The cylinder head is of the original engine. Soo we "only" need a proper thick flange open tapet 1275 shortblock for the complete happiness. The car had the option of a locking steering column, heated rear screen, and also had front auxilary lamps, but only the extra wiring indicates that. We also got some extra 70s gofaster racish bits with the car, like a Paddy Hopkirk Alpine seat, a nice (Moto-Lita?) steering wheel and a set of nice JA Pierce alloy wheels.

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