This identification guide has been written the Morris MK1 Cooper S (970cc) produced for a 10 month period from 1964 to 1965. Follow this link for the equivalent 970cc Austin Cooper S. The 970cc Cooper S was a special-order homologation derivative produced by BMC to allow the Cooper S to compete in Group 1 racing events,1 and is noted in particular for its victory in the 1964 European Touring Car Championship.2
The 970cc Cooper S was the lowest production British-built Cooper S, and was manufactured alongside both the 1071cc and 1275cc Cooper S at the Longbridge plant in the UK,3 with export markets believed to have included South Africa, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Ireland, Belgium, and Chile. Although the performance of the 970cc Cooper S is inferior to the later 1275cc models, the scarcity of this model and its ability to compete in the under 1000cc racing class make it particularly desirable, and this guide intends to provide a detailed outline of the original specification for the benefit of enthusiasts and restorers.
Period of manufacture:
June 1964 – April 19654
Number produced:
Homologation regulations at the time required 1000 units to be produced within one year, however, several sources confirm that 963 units are believed to have been built.5 This figure includes 481 Austin and 482 Morris derivatives.6 The British market received 397 of the Morris cars, and export markets received 85.7 We have not yet been able to obtain information with respect to export numbers on a country basis.
Based on the MK1 body, the 970 S shared many features with the MK1 Cooper, and other MK1 Cooper S models. Many features also carried over to the MK2 Cooper and Cooper S, and therefore features mentioned in this section are not necessarily unique to the MK1, or the 970cc cars (unless specified).
As with the exterior features of the 970 S, many interior features are shared with the MK1 Cooper, and other MK1 Cooper S models. The features mentioned in this section are therefore not necessarily unique to the the 970cc cars (unless specified).
Paint colours:32
The below table provides a relatively comprehensive list of the colours available, however, as further noted in John Parnell's book (reference) there is concensus that additional colours were also available by special order. For example, a popular special order monotone colour on the MK1 was black. As a result, the below table provides only a guide as to the most common off-the-shelf paint options.
Interior colours:33
1. Seats: Seat trim was upholstered in a vinyl leathercloth material, and the colours were coordinated based on the exterior paint colour of the vehicle. A two-tone colour scheme with contrasting pleat inserts applied, however, like with the paint options, special order colours were also available. (describe number of pleats etc)
2. Door and rear quarter card panels (liners): These were trimmed in either Dove Grey or Gold Brocade Grey. (describe number of pleats etc)
3. Carpets: Colour options were determined by the seat trim colour option (as outlined below). Carpets were a wool loop pile, and the majority of 970cc cars are believed to have had the boot board trim matched to the vehicle's interior carpet colour.
4. Roof lining and sun-visors: These were trimmed the same material and cream colour as contemporary Mini saloons.
Colour options:34
The MK1 Cooper S paint and interior trim colours are defined by the BMC parts manual AKD 3510, which have been listed in the table below for the specific period during which the 970cc Cooper S was produced. Note: As this table represents colour availability between June 1964 – April 1965, several other MK1 Cooper S colours are not listed which may have applied before or after the 970 S.
Paint colour / BMC code | Seat trim | Liners | Carpets |
Almond Green (Code: GN 37) Old English White roof (Code: WT 3) |
Porcelain Green / Dove Grey | Dove Grey | Cumulus Grey |
Old English White (Code: WT 3) Black roof (Code: BK 1) |
Tartan Red / Gold Brocade Grey | Gold Brocade Grey | Tartan Red |
Fiesta Yellow (Code: YL 11) Old English White roof (Code: WT 3) |
Powder Blue / Gold Brocade Grey | Gold Brocade Grey | Powder Blue |
Surf Blue (Code: BU35) Old English White roof (Code: WT 3) |
Powder Blue / Gold Brocade Grey | Gold Brocade Grey | Powder Blue |
Tartan Red (Code: RD 9) Black roof (Code: BK 1) |
Tartan Red / Gold Brocade Grey | Gold Brocade Grey | Tartan Red |
Tweed Grey (GR4) Old English White roof (Code: WT 3) |
Dove Grey / Dark Grey | Dove Grey | Cumulus Grey |
Test
Chassis prefix and number:35
All British MK1 Morris Cooper S vehicles had a chassis prefix of:
The 970cc Cooper S had a chassis number following that prefix which will be in the range of 550501 - 550980. The vehicle's chassis numbers were allocated based on the vehicle's build sequence. John Parnell's research suggests that the 970 Cooper S was built in two batches of around 500 cars each.36
The chassis prefix and number are reverse stamped / embossed on the small aluminium ID tag secured with self-tapping screws to the top of the radiator cowling (between the radiator and inner mudguard, as show in the images).
Body Number:37
A Morris Cooper S 970cc should have a body number in the range between 16366 - 27246. Cooper S models had an exclusive body number sequence identified by the beginning prefix letter “A”, followed by a 5 digit unique number. The body number was stamped on a metal plate, approximately 3 inches long, spot welded to the bonnet slam panel as shown in the images
Build dates:
Acurate build dates for the 970cc Cooper S can be obtained through the Heritage Motor Museum's services, who should be able to provide a heritage certificate for cars at a small cost.
Engine information and specifications:38
The 970cc Cooper S engine was introduced to allow the Cooper S to compete in Group 1 racing, and the high-revving engine design made it great success in this respect. Among other small items, the engine block crankshaft, conrods, pushrods and flat-top pistons are unique to the 970cc unit. Below in Table 1 we have listed various specifications / details of the 970cc engine, which are further complemented by the table 2 which provides the specific production changes that occurred to various engine accessories.
Table 1: Engine specifications39
Item | Description |
Engine type | 4-cylinder 970cc 8-valve pushrod engine |
Engine bore | 70.6mm |
Engine stroke | 61.91mm |
Compression Ratio | 10:1 (Althoiugh 11:1 was available for competition use) - see James Taylor, page 84. |
Power | 65bhp (48.5kw) at 6,500rpm |
Torque | 77.3Nm of torque at 5,000rpm |
Cylinder head number:41
The 970 Cooper S cylinder head was based on the '11-stud' design (fixed to the block by 10 studs and one bolt). An original 970cc cyinder head should have a casting number of AEG163. This head was introduced in late 1963, and fitted to Cooper S cars through until 1969, therefore covering the entire 970cc production period.
Engine prefix and number:41
The 970cc Cooper S engine had its own distinct engine prefix, and that prefix changed at various points throughout production due to specific changes made to the engines over the 9-month period. The 970cc engine prefixes are outlined in the below table, along with their respective engine numbers in the range of 29001 - 30029. This information was originally sourced from the BMC service parts list, which was reproduced in John Parnell's Book 'Original Mini Cooper and Cooper S'.
Engine number location:
The engine number is embossed into a tag, riveted to the top edge of the vehicle's engine block. This is located on the top front edge of the engine block, above the generator. See images for a better description of this location and examples of the 970cc stamping.
Table 2: Engine prefixes and production changes:42
Engine Prefix | Engine numbers | From date | Comments |
9F-SA-X | 29001 - 29003 | June 1964 | 970cc engine fitted with diaphram clutch, rationalised breathing system, vent pipe fitted to left hand side of roker cover. From June 1964. |
9FD-SA-X | 29004 - 29036 | June 1964 | 970cc engine with positive crank case ventilation, control valve connected to inlet manifold and an oil separator fitted to the left side of the rocker cover. The breather pipe was deleted from the rocket cover on this model. |
9FE-SA-X | 29037 | August 1964 | Engine prefix changes to "FE" to indicate carburettor crankcase ventilation, but engine itself is unchanged from previous. |
29038 | August 1964 | Modified oil separator / breather control. Pressure switch fitted to oil filter mounting head. | |
9F-SA-X | 29039 - 29040 | August 1964 | Engine unchanged, but "E" dropped from prefix. |
29041 - 29546 | August 1964 | 'A' type gears replaced 'B' type gears, and laygear type '22G 204' was replaced with type '22G 232'. | |
29547 - 29921 | October 1964 | The oil filter head mounting, and the oil sump were improved. | |
29922 - 29931 | March 1965 | Washers between transmission case / engine block given additional overlap to stop leaks. | |
29932 - 30029 | March 1965 | Silicon rubber oil seal introduced on the primary gear. |
Gearbox casting numbers:43
The 970 Cooper S was fitted with a 3-synchro gearbox (synchromesh on gears 2 - 4). Two gearbox casting numbers were applied to the front of the gearbox casing (adjascent to the oil filter bowl), and the casting number applied will will be one of two possible codes as outlined below.
1. Gearbox number 22G190 (Fitted with 'Type A' gears and 22G 204 laygear) This gearbox was fitted to 970cc engines numbered 29001 - 29040.
The following ratios applied:
2. Gearbox number 22G333 (Fitted with Type B gears and 22G 232 laygear) This gearbox was fitted to engines from 29041 - 30029.
In these later gearboxes, the same gear ratios as the earlier 22G190 gearbox applied, however, several changes were made to improve durability, including:
3. Optional close-ratio gearbox
An optoinal close ratio gearbox was available from March 1964, inline with the launch of the 970 and 1275cc Cooper S models to satisfy customers using the vehicles for racing. It is our understanding that the close ratio box was available with either the 22G190 or the 22G333 box, and no separate identification number was applied to the casing of a close ratio box - since the internals were the only thing altered. The close ratio gearboxes were available with several final drive and gear ratio options (many of which are very rare),See page 39 John Parnell however, the ratios publicised were the following:
In addition to the engine and gearbox specifications listed in the previous two sections, the 970cc Cooper S had the following mechanical features:44
Intake and exhaust:45
Cooling system:46
Handling and driveline (wheels, tyres, suspension, driveshafts):47
Brakes:48
Other engine characteristics:49
Electrical:50
Options:51
Production date stamping
Certain components on Mark I cars were stamped with a production date (month and year - eg., 10/64 for October 1964). These dates can be useful for working out the age of a car, or judging the originality of its components. The following parts are known to be date stamped: (bootlid lock, brake drums, coil, distributor, dynamo, floor start button, fusebox, glass (using the Triplex system of placed dots under the letters), headlamp bowls, horn push surround, ignition switch, indicator arm, light dip switch & light switch, regulator, starter, wiper motor & wiper switch.
Please note, this guide has been written based on a variety of sources and enthusiast input, many of which are referenced via end-notes and additional references. However, you should not rely on this guide to make any purchasing decision and we make no representation that all information is accurate. You should always seek independent professional advice when looking to purchase a unique car. If you have additional information, photographs or corrections you believe need to be made to this page, please contact us or comment below.
The following sources, among input from many enthusiasts, have contributed to the creation of this page. If you have any further information you believe can be added, please let us know by contacting us or commenting below.
End Notes:
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