1971 Morris Mini Cooper S Mk III
The Mark III Cooper S arrived in March 1970 as the final evolution of the legendary performance Mini, with production ending in 1971. So few examples were produced that BMC continued using Mark II body badges rather than creating new Mark III identification plates.
The familiar 1,275cc BMC A-series engine delivered 76 horsepower at 6,000 rpm through twin SU carburetors, paired with a close-ratio four-speed manual gearbox and 7.5-inch front disc brakes.
The suspension reverted from Hydrolastic back to the original rubber cone system as a cost-saving measure, while the Mark III bodyshells proved heavier than previous iterations, slightly reducing overall performance.
These final Cooper S models maintained the racing pedigree established by their predecessors, which had dominated the Monte Carlo Rally throughout the 1960s under drivers like Paddy Hopkirk and Timo Mäkinen.
After 1971, the Cooper S name disappeared from the Mini lineup, not returning until 1990, making these Mark III examples particularly significant as the conclusion of an era.
Source
