Corgi VA02537 Morris Mini Cooper Mk1 998cc, Tweed Grey and Old English White

Built on 4^th May 1965, the Morris Cooper modelled was ordered by BMC dealers Wadhams Limited of Chichester and registered on 12^th May 1965, to first owner Mr Chris Gow. In 2011, Nuneaton-based engineer Sam Goodwin purchased the, by then, dismantled car as a rusty bodyshell and boxes of parts. He embarked on a supremely detailed restoration, which included checking original drawings to ensure spot-welds and panel joints were done exactly as factory, and placed the completed car in the Silverstone Auctions’ sale of July 2013. It was purchased by Richard Wright from Surrey, Chairman of Caffyns plc; a company which were, during the 1960s, one of the world’s largest distributors of Morris cars.

Sam Goodwin, an experienced restorer, took two years to complete this exacting restoration because the bodyshell was so badly corroded. Excepting the roof and both the front and rear bulkheads, every panel was either repaired or replaced. The engine was rebuilt but the car’s paperwork showed the cylinder head had already been ported and polished by well respected tuners Janspeed so this was retained and fitted with unleaded valve seats. The interior was re-trimmed by Suffolk and Turley using Newton Commercial’s kit while the paintwork was carried out to a very high standard by M&S Accident Repair, Nuneaton. The bodyshell was then injected with cavity wax. The only modification was the fitment of Cooper S brakes and wheels to improve the handling and braking.

Engine: 998cc 4IL OHV
Power: 55bhp@5800rpm
Torque: 57lb.ft@3000rpm
0-60mph: 14.8seconds
Maximum speed: 90mph
Unladen Weight: 1440Lbs