The Mini was originally designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1959 as an economical small car for the masses. John Cooper, a successful Formula One constructor, recognised its potential as a performance car due to its light weight and excellent handling. BMC agreed to produce a higher-performance version under the Mini Cooper name, first launched in 1961.

By 1963, the Mini Cooper S was introduced as a more powerful and improved model, available under both the Morris and Austin brands (identical except for badging and minor trim differences).

Engine and Mechanical Details:

• Engine: 1,275 cc (1.3 L) inline 4-cylinder, transverse-mounted
• Type: BMC A-series OHV engine
• Power output: Around 76 horsepower (57 kW)
• Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox
• Drive: Front-wheel drive
• Brakes: Front disc brakes (a rarity for small cars at the time)
• Suspension: Rubber cone suspension designed by Alec Moulton

Performance:

• Top speed: Around 97 mph (156 km/h)
• 0–60 mph: Approximately 11 seconds
• Weight: About 1,400 lb (635 kg)

Design and Features:
The 1965 Morris Cooper S retained the Mini’s compact, boxy shape with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, giving it remarkable agility. The Cooper S featured twin SU carburettors, upgraded brakes, stronger engine internals, and improved cooling compared to the standard Mini Cooper.

Externally, differences were subtle—badging, slightly wider wheel arches, and small details like the “S” script. Inside, the cabin remained basic but functional, with central instrumentation and sporty touches.

Racing and Rally Heritage:
The Cooper S became legendary in motorsport. It dominated international rallying in the 1960s, including victories in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965, and 1967 (though the 1966 win was controversially disqualified). Its blend of speed, agility, and toughness made it one of the most successful small rally cars ever built.

Legacy:
The 1965 Morris Cooper S is one of the most celebrated variants of the classic Mini. It combined revolutionary small-car design with genuine racing pedigree. Today, it’s a highly collectible model, valued for its role in both motorsport history and British automotive culture.

Production End:
Production of the original Cooper S continued until 1971, after which the Mini range evolved under different corporate owners. The spirit of the Cooper S was later revived by BMW’s modern MINI brand from 2001 onward.