INFO GUIDE: 1969 - 1971 Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)

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This guide has been written to assist people in determining the authenticity of an original Australian MK2 Morris Cooper S. For the MK1 Australian Cooper S, click here. There were approximately 2,500 MK2 cooper S cars produced between 1969 and 1971, with the 1971 model sometimes referred to as the MK2.5 or MK3 in Australia, due to several modifications incorporated in the car’s design.

The MK2 Morris Cooper S, as the highest spec and lowest production Cooper S in Australia, demands significant prices in the market, and accurate identification of genuine cars is essential to any prudent purchaser. The MK2 has a number of unique features when compared to the standard Morris Mini, as well as when compared to the MK1 Cooper S and international variations of the Cooper S. There are also a number of features on the MK2 which may be a result of changeover periods from the MK1, and we have tried to outline examples of these items as accurately as possible. This guide provides a detailed outline, with associated images, to assist a prospective purchaser or owner in accurately identifying a vehicle. 

Number produced: Approximately 2,500 MK2 Cooper S (2,419 according to the MK2 register) were produced. Less than 170 of the 1971 spec Cooper S are believed to be produced, making them the most rare 'series'. Note, approximately 7,500 Cooper S cars in Australia were produced in total (both MK1 and MK2).

Period of manufacture: March 1969 - July 1971

Please note, this guide has been written based on a variety of online sources and enthusiast input. 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 by clicking the button at the top of this page, or comment below. 




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1. External Body Features - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)
1971 MK2.5 Australian cooper s.JPG Click to enlarge
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The MK2 Australian Cooper S had the following external features. Note, many exterior features of the MK2 are shared with the MK1, and where a feature is unique to the MK2 only, this has been specifically noted.

  • Based on the Mini MK1 body (as was retained throughout all Australian Mini production), with external hinges on the doors.
  • Front quarter windows and wind up windows applied to all Australian Cooper S cars.
  • Door handles on all 1969 - 1970 Australian Minis, including the MK2 Cooper S, had a small rubber stop at the end of the handle for pedestrian safety. In 1971, the doors on the Cooper S were changed to include revised handles compatible with the new burst proof door locks (same as applied to later Australian Leyland Minis).
  • The MK2 was available in two tone and single tone colour schemes (see the paint code section of this guide for more details).
  • Twin fuel tanks, filler caps visible left + right of boot.
  • Stainless steel overriders and corner 'nerf bars' on front and rear bumpers.
  • Redesigned oval 'Morris Cooper S' badge on bonnet replaced the standard 'Morris' and 'S' badge of the MK1.
  • Rear boot lid badging reads “Morris Cooper” with the “s” badge above in the centre of the bootlid (above the number plate). 
  • Wheel arch flares were introduced on the MK2 (sheet metal support panels are spot welded to the mudguards, with plastic flares and chrome plastic finishing strips riveted to the support panels).
  • Steel 4.5 inch x 10 inch wheels with 9 holes around the inner hub and stainless steel centre hub caps (steel wheels are painted in 'Silver Birch' - paint code: 06968), and should have a casting mark LP883.
  • Originally fitted with Dunlop radial ply SP41 145X10 tyres.
  • Commonly fitted with aftermarket period 'Contessa' / 'Minilite' style 10" wheels, as demonstrated in several images.
2. Interior Features - (General) and 1969 - 1970 Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)
MK2 Australian Cooper S steering wheel.jpg Click to enlarge
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The following interior features were present on the Australian MK2 Morris Mini Cooper S:

Features of all MK2 Cooper S years:

  • Instrument cluster included a 120 MPH speedometer, a temperature gauge and an oil pressure gauge. The speedometer had a grey face (as opposed to the black face of the MK1). The shroud around the cluster is plastic, and includes 2 green indicator lamps within the instrument binnacle. Screws should not be visible on the front fascia of the MK2 cluster (as they were on the MK1).
  • Early MK2 Cooper S cars may have been fitted with the MK1 style two spoke Morris badged wheel ("M" centre badge). The MK2 was, however, updated to the "BMC" badged two spoke wheel of a revised design. See images for differences.
  • Vinyl covered dash rails top and bottom.
  • Chrome solid top ashtray in front upper dash rail (as opposed to the vented top ashtray).
  • Extended ignition switch (The chrome body of the ignition switch sticks out further into the car than on standard Minis).
  • Felt trim glued underneath the rear parcel shelf.
  • Heel mat built into driver's footwell carpet. (See the next section of this guide for confirmation of the correct type).
  • Hard cover vinyl type internal lining over inner boot lid, held in place with small chrome screws and upholstery washers.
  • Boot board, resting on support brackets between the two fuel tanks (trimmed the same colour as the seats).

 

Interior features unique to the 1969 - 1970 MK2 Cooper S:

  • Single lever 'Smiths' heater assembly. Reportedly, some early MK2 cars were fitted with a MK1 style heater (metal body); however, the majority of MK2 cars should have the revised plastic body heater (both styles are shown in the images). The early Smiths heaters should be attached to the bulk head under the dash, and have two J shaped hooks holding the unit. These hooks should be spot welded (not riveted). 
  • Heater cable on left side of the central lower dash rail switch panel, and choke cable on the right.
  • Three point seatbelts for the front seats only. The rear seat had no seatbelts as standard (unless by special order).

 

 

3. Interior Features - 1971 Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)
1971 Cooper S door card.jpg Click to enlarge
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Due to several changes in the Australian Design Regulations, the 1971 Morris Cooper S had several interior related alterations as listed below (and contained in the attached images):

  • Rear seatbelts fitted standard (1969 - 1970 cars were only fitted by special order).
  • Revised pull back door latches linked to the new burst proof door locks (These are the same door handles applied to the later Leyland Minis). Note, the Cooper S door cards were the same as the Mini K of 1971, however, differed in pattern to those applied to the Clubman and Clubman GT of 1971.
  • Revised heater design (same as used on later Leyland Minis), however, in 1971, the heater controls were located on the lower dash rail between the steering wheel and driver's door (example provided in images).
  • Revised choke cable position on right hand side of steering wheel (to the left of the heater controls).

 

As these 1971 cars are very scarce, any images would be appreciated to better explain their unique features. Please contact us if you are able to assist.

4. Interior Trim Colours and Carpet - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)
Blue interior and door.png Click to enlarge
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Interior colours and codes - MK2 Cooper S:

The vast majority of MK2 Australian Cooper S cars were fitted with black interior. However, a number of cars were also fitted with alternatives, as outlined in the table below. Note, these colours were available not only on the door trims and seats, but also on items such as seatbelts, carpets and door straps.

Colour Name Colour Code
Black 13268 – Dulon & Duco
Parchment 17002 – Dulon & Duco
Blue 13263 – Dulon & Duco
Porcelain Green 06432 – Dulon & Duco

 

​Carpet types - MK2 Cooper S:

Our research has revealed that carpet types varied on the MK2 Cooper S per the following points:

  • Early MKII cars in some cases were fitted with the same ‘Westminster’ carpets as were fitted to the MK1. This is a 'Sisal' style loop carpet in appearance (i.e. the loops are in tighter and straighter rows than traditional loop pile carpets). On the original carpet, there should be a “Westminster” watermark on the hessian underlay (See images).
  • The majority of MK2 cars were fitted with the more open loop pile carpet, as was also applied to the Clubman and Clubman GT, which also had a hessian underlining. 
  • Heel mat styles built into the carpets varied. In some cases, the MK1 style heel mats (with the pattern frame) were applied to some MK2 cars. However, most MK2 cars are noted as having the standard grid design.
5. Paint Colours and Codes - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)
Australian MK2 Cooper S red.png Click to enlarge
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The following colours were available on the MK2 Cooper S from 1969 - 1971. Note, this is based on cross-checking colours available in each year with the vehicles on the MK2 Cooper S register on Ausmini.com. Exceptions may exist. Please contact us if you have additional information.

Colour Name Colour Code Colour Brand Year(s) available
Aubergine 11575 Dulon & Duco 1969
Baltic Blue 12179 Dulon & Duco 1970
Cadet Blue 11703 Dulon & Duco 1969 - 1970
Calypso Primrose 11578 Dulon & Duco 1969 - 1970
Camino Gold 12137 Dulon & Duco 1970 - 1971
Connaught Green 12178 Dulon & Duco 1970 - 1971
Crystal White 11572 Dulon & Duco 1969 - 1971
Damsen Purple 12136 Dulon & Duco 1970
Gambier Turquoise 12626 Dulon & Duco 1971
GTO Green 10238 Dulon & Duco 1969 - 1970
Indigo Blue 10084 Dulon & Duco 1969 - 1970
Jet Red 11574 Dulon & Duco 1969 - 1971
Malmo Green 10081 Dulon & Duco Special Order*
Mist Green 10330 Dulon & Duco 1969 - 1970
Pacific Green 11670 Dulon & Duco 1970 - 1971
Pale Primrose 13307 Dulon & Duco 1971
Sandown Red 10886 Dulon & Duco Special Order
Savanna Green 12970 Dulon & Duco Late 1970 - 1971
Special Burgundy 10086 Dulon & Duco Special Order*
Sugar cane 10874 Dulon & Duco 1969 - 1971
Tamarisk Green 11794 Dulon & Duco 1970
Viareggio Blue 12972 Dulon & Duco Late 1970 - 1971
Willow Green 11573 Dulon & Duco 1969
Zircon White 12969 Dulon & Duco Late 1970 - 1971

* Colours noted as 'Special Order' were generally those that were not available during the MK2 production years, but have been confirmed as appearing on many MK2 Cooper S cars on the Ausmini register.

 

Common two-tone combinations:

The majority of two-tone cars had a 'Crystal White' roof (or 'Zircon White' for late MK2 cars), available over most of the other body colours. There are also several cars which reportedly had a black roof (code for black yet to be confirmed).

Confirming the original paint colour on a MK2 Australian Cooper S is difficult, as the code is not listed on the ID plate, but was instead affixed as a sticker behind the brake/clutch master cylinder, or less commonly, above the chassis plate. Over time, and through restorations, most of these stickers have fallen off, making original paints difficult to confirm. See images for examples.

6. Chassis Number - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)

Chassis prefix and number:

The chassis prefix on an Australian MK2 Cooper S should read YG2S4. This will be followed by a four digit unique vehicle build number (sequential number commencing at 501).

 

Chassis prefix and number location:

  • On all MK2 Cooper S cars, this prefix and unique number should appear stamped into the top of the radiator shroud.
  • On cars produced from January 1970, an Australian Design Rules ("ADR") compliance plate was affixed to the driver's side firewall cross-member panel (behind the brake booster). Square plates were initially used (from approx: January 1970 - November 1970; Chassis numbers YG2S4 1400 - YG2S4 2700), secured with 4 rivets. From approximately December 1970, these were replaced by the rectangular plates (the same style as later Leyland Minis), secured with 2 rivets.
  • MK2 cars built prior to January 1970 will not have an ADR compliance plate fitted, and the only identifiers on these vehicles are the numbers stamped into the body as described above. Forum discussion suggests that MK2 cars produced without compliance plates are from YG2S4 501, extending to around YG2S4 1400.
7. Body Number - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)

Body Number prefix:

The correct body number prefix for an Australian MK2 Cooper S is 2/06, followed by a unique body number (sequential number commencing at 001). This is in contrast to M2/06 on the MK1 Cooper S.

 

Body prefix and number location:

This number may be stamped in one of two locations.

  • Passenger side scuttle panel (rear bonnet drip channel located above the wiper motor - it is believed that this stamping position ended in mid-1970), or;
  • The bulkhead/firewall, behind the master cylinders, often under the paint stickers (approximately where the chassis plate for a MK1 was usually placed). It is believed that this stamping position began in mid-1970.

The body prefix and number should be approximately 500 less than the vehicle's unique build number (the number following the chassis prefix as described in the previous section). For example, If your body number was 800, your build number stamped into the scuttle panel / firewall should be 300. A "plus or minus 10" rule is generally applied to this, as many have found these numbers to not be precisely 500 apart in all cases, likely due to assembly line changes.

8. Engine Number and Block Features - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)

Engine Number:

The correct prefix on an Australian MK2 Cooper S should begin with '9FXEY', followed by an engine number, usually 6 digits. The engine number is located on the top of the engine block, just above the alternator. You will see a flat area of metal, where the number is stamped into the block. Note: A small number of early MK2 cars were fitted with MK1 engines during the changeover, so this engine number may not apply in every circumstance. 

Engine block casting number & 'thick flange':

All Cooper S motors (MK1 and MK2) will have 'AEG312' cast into the rear lower RHS. Again, other than a small number of early cars, the MK2 Cooper S had what was known as a 'thick flange' block, referring to a thicker area where the engine block meets the gearbox, compared to the MK1 block. The MK2 thick flange block is approximately 20mm thick (vs the MK1 10mm).

Other engine block features:

  • Blocked off mechanical fuel pump hole on rear of block.
  • Removable tappet chest covers on rear of engine (as opposed to later 1275 engines where the engine block rear wall was solid).
  • Welch (core) plugs in engine block were 1 11/16 in size.
  • Block painted green. Note, engines were painted a dark green believed to be "British Standard Middle Bronze Green" (Code BS 223) before they were imported as complete units to Australia. Once in Australia, engines were re-painted to the Cooper S metallic green (Code CP8689 by Berger Paints).

 

9. Gearbox Number and Information - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)

Gearbox Casting Number: 

An original gearbox for the MK2 Cooper S should have "22G1128" cast into the gearbox casing. This will confirm that it is the correct 4 speed full synchromesh gearbox, as were fitted to the MK2 Cooper S (along with the Mini K and others).

Gearbox Serial Number: 

The gearbox casing may (but not always)  have a unique serial number stamped into it, which will specifically confirm whether it is from a MK2 Cooper S. The correct serial number for the MK2 S is "FAXE 1234", where '1234' represents the unique sequence number applied to that gearbox.

Other gearbox features:

The MK2 Cooper S (like the MK1) was fitted with 'Hardy Spicer' universal joints (see images), as opposed to the rubber knuckle joints used on other Minis of the same era. The gearbox was also 'remote change', and contained the long mechanism as shown in the images.

If you have the opportunity to inspect the internals of a gearbox, the Cooper S has several unique features. The first motion shaft should have an "s" stamped into the spigot bearing end of the shaft, and have 18 teeth (as opposed to 17 on the Mini K). Note, the "s" stamp cannot be seen whilst the box is assembled. The number stamped into the cluster gear should be "22G1040" for a MK2 Cooper S. 3.44 diff ratio of course being due to the 18 tooth pinion, and 62 tooth crown wheel.

 

10. Mechanical Features - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)

The Australian MK2 Morris Mini Cooper S had the following mechanical features:

  • The correct engine head should have a casting mark "12G940".
  • Alternator (in place of generator as applied to the MK1).
  • High capacity SU electric fuel pump (located left side on the rear subframe, under the car). Mechanical pump on engine block removed / blanked off.
  • Hydrolastic suspension (evidenced by the fluid line hoses exiting above suspension towers).
  • 13 row oil cooler. Diagonal support brace (spot welded) running behind the grille to accommodate the oil cooler. Standard mini's have a vertical metal strap rather than diagonal.
  • Twin 1 ¼ SU carburettors. The MK2 carburettors should have small tags attached to the float bowl top screws, one with "AUD440 L" and the other with "AUD440 R" stamped into them. The Carburettor bodies should have "AUC 870" and "AUC 871" stamped into them. The inlet manifold should have the code "AEG573" cast into it.
  • Squared off Air filter housing assembly containing 2 round air filters (see images).
  • 7 ½ inch front disc brakes. 
  • The original rear brake drums were wider by 1” (called 'stepped drums') and the brake pedal is thicker than the standard mini, and thicker than the clutch.
  • Master cylinders and brake boosters varied on the MK2. A number of early MK2 cars had the same two tin reservoirs as the MK1, with a 'Lockheed' brake booster. Some cars had a combination of the tin tank brake cylinder and plastic tank clutch cylinder, with the Lockheed booster. This was believed to be due to 'using up stock' left after the MK1. By 1970, most cars are believed to be fitted with plastic 'PBR' master cylinders for brake and clutch, and a VH44 'PBR' brake power boosters (See image of original Australian made unit with patent number '260550' printed on it). Examples are provided in the images, showing the alternate units and hose designs.
  • Cylinder head has 10 nuts and 1 bolt (adjacent to thermostat housing).
  • Fuel breather valve located under rear seat on passenger side of vehicle.
  • Additional wire on rear wiring loom running to the rear electric fuel pump.
11. Unique Factory Body modifications - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)

Several factory body modifications were made to the MK2 Cooper S which are essential for accurate identification. Some of these features are outlined below:

  • In the boot, there should be two holes on each side of the boot floor. The hole is on the left is for the fuel supply hose and the fuel vapour pipe, and one on the right is for the battery cable and the fuel vapour pipe.
  • There should be two support brackets on the rear seat back (in the boot), as well as supports at the rear edge of the boot, to accommodate the boot board. See images for a better description.
  • Metal keeper tabs spot welded on the rear bulkhead (back seat panel in the boot area) for the fuel vapour pipes. There should be 2 tabs vertically for each tank and 3 across the top of the 'bulkhead' / rear of seat.
  • Under the R/H tank there is a support bracket that should be spot welded in place.
  • Tunnels in the floor pans, with covers for the hydrolastic lines. Note, these tunnels were NOT unique to the Cooper S, and only serve to differentiate the Australian cars from other markets.
  • Looking under the passenger side rear back seat, you should see a small white plug (which looks like it's segmented into three). This is the fuel pump breather vent, again, unique to the Cooper S (most other Minis had mechanical fuel pumps on the engine block). See images for an example. Normally, this plug is a standard plastic white colour and should be easier to see than the image we have provided.
12. Police Car features - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)

The following features were commonly applied to Australia MK2 Cooper S police cars. These features were requested by the state governments through 'Special Purchase Orders'. Examples of the original special order paperwork are attached in the images.

Special Purchase Order 41 details:

  • First chassis number to be modified per SPO41 was #2372.
  • 1.5" twin HS4 SU carburettors, fitted with Lynx Ram-Flo air filters.
  • First 70 vehicles fitted with a MK2 distributer (part number AYG.0175) incorporating wide blade contact points from the MK1.
  • Later vehicles fitted with alternative distributor (part number AYG.0272) having the same wide blade contact points as the MK1, plus an MG centrifugal advance weights and springs.
  • Exhaust was without a resonator in front of engine pipe (as per MK1 Cooper).
  • Two speed windscreen wipers.
  • Handbrake warning lamp on the dashboard, with the switch connected to the floor panel to contact the handbrake lever.
  • Holes in lower dash rail and additional wiring for police radio (See image of original radio under LHS dash).
  • Three holes in the front subframe can indicate a police sump guard may have been fitted.
  • Smiths electric RV tachometer (redline at 6000RPM), mounted on the right hand side of dashboard.
  • Dunlop Sports Radial tyres "Aquajets".

 

Special Purchase Order 16 details:

  • Lowered front seat frames (by approximately 1 inch).

 

Special Purchase Order 26 details:

  • Competition disc brake pads - Hardie Ferodo DP11 type (SPO26).

Note, SPO16 and 26 were also applied / incorporated with  SPO41 cars.

 

Service Liaison Summary 132 (1967):

  • Reversing lights (utilising the rear indicator lights, operated by a switch operated on the remote gear shifter)
  • Water pump incorporating pre-packed bearing assembly, neoprene end seals, and a water flinger, has been introduced from car #3308.
  • Deletion of setscrew and fibre washer for water pump servicing (unnecessary due to new sealed unit).
  • Olympic GT radial ply tyres.

 

General indicators that a mini was ex-police include:

  • The seams on the A pillar next to the windscreen may have holes (usually 3), indicating the large visors installed on many police spec cars.
  • Additional holes may be in the dash rails, indicating a police ID plate was attached.
  • Hole in centre of roof for marked police cars with permanent light or antenna for the radio.
  • Holes in front beaver / sill panel for driving lights.
  • Rear seat belts were fitted to police spec MK2 Cooper S cars. As ADR's did not yet require these, the mounting points are unique, and can assist in identifying a Cooper S. Some images are provided from an example.
  • Engine heads were believed to be polished and ported by Lynx engineering and Goodman Racing Development. One ex-police example was found to have a "GRD" stamped into the head. This likely stood for "Goodman Racing Development".

A big thanks to the Ausmini.com forums for this information across multiple authors.

References - Australian Morris Mini Cooper S (MK2)

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.

Special thanks to Ausmini.com, MK1-forum.net and The BMC Experience.

 

Comments

fastoy_3648's picture

fastoy_3648

10/11/2018 - 06:18

I have a 1969 MKll. Bought brand new from P&R William in Drummoyne Sydney. On 31st May 1969. With P&R metal boot badge. Looking through the list of features listed in the article, mine has two differences that I can see. First, it was bought new as single colour special burgundy. I placed my order while the MKl was still on sale, but was delivered one of the first MKlls. Secondly, the choke cable is on the left of the speedo, not right as mentioned in the article. 

I have original delivery books and receipts, so there is no question of authenticity. Nobody else has ever owned the car. Or even driven it.  The car is in very good running order, fully NSW road registered. In last 18 months, the car has been driven to Hay, Kurri Kurri show, and Shannons Tamworth show, plus numerous shorter trips. It is totally unmolested and unrestored, with no major work having been done. The car was rallied in the early seventies with some success, winning the 1972 Amoco Condobolin 800 mile under 1300cc class.