At Mini Sport, every classic Mini tells a story – and Neil Ohayon’s Mk1 1967 Mini Cooper 998cc is no exception. Finished in the iconic Almond Green with an Old English White Roof, this little legend is now in our hands for a full ground-up restoration. From its transcontinental history to its heartfelt father-son origins, this project is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the Mini Sport difference. Let’s dive into the details of this rebuild and why it’s a perfect showcase of our services.
Reviving a Legend
The Mk1 1967 Mini Cooper Restoration Journey Begins
The Mk1 Mini Cooper: An Icon Reborn:
The Mk1 Mini Cooper isn’t just any car – it’s a cornerstone of automotive history. Launched in 1961, it paired Alec Issigonis’ revolutionary small-car design with John Cooper’s performance tweaks, creating a rally-dominating, street-loving icon.
Neil’s 1967 model, with its 998cc engine and classic Almond Green and Old English White Roof combo, is a sought-after gem among enthusiasts. Its timeless look and spirited drive make it a perfect candidate for a that honours its legacy while enhancing it for today’s roads.
A Mini with a Global Past:
This Mk1 Mini Cooper has lived a life as adventurous as its design suggests. Originally exported to Australia in the 1960s, it eventually made its way back to the UK, where Neil snapped it up at auction with a dream in mind: a restoration project for his son Max. With the help of a knowledgeable friend, they stripped it to its bare shell and sent it for a professional bare-metal respray. But when tragedy struck with the loss of Neil’s friend, the project stalled – until Mini Sport stepped in.
We met Neil at the NEC Classic Car Show in 2023, where he spotted our passion on display alongside the British Mini Club. A week later, he visited our Padiham, Lancashire facility, and after seeing our setup firsthand, he knew we were the team to bring his Mini back to life. We headed to London, collected the shell and a trailer full of parts, and got to work.
The Mini Sport Restoration Process:
This isn’t a slapdash rebuild – it’s a loving revival handled by our expert team.
Here’s what’s underway:
Engine Overhaul:
The 998cc Cooper engine needed serious attention – grit in the rocker cover, oil contamination, and worn bores meant a full rebuild was non-negotiable. We’ve over-bored the cylinders to +0.20”, remanufactured key components, and paired it with a corrected 4-synchro gearbox for reliability and that classic Cooper punch. Explore our Reconditioning Processes to see how we do it.
Bodywork & Paint:
The shell arrived with a top-notch respray, so we’re focusing on perfect reassembly – new rubber seals, powder-coated subframes, and a flawless fit for the bonnet, boot, and doors. Our expertise ensures every curve shines.
Interior Craftsmanship:
We’ve fitted a bespoke Porcelain Green and Dove Grey trim kit from Newton Commercial, complete with seat covers, foam cushions, and a new headlining. The original boot board’s been re-covered, and a grey carpet ties it all together.
Check out our options for your Mini. Read More Here
Explore the Possibilities
Your Mini deserves the best.
Contact Mini Sport today to begin crafting an interior that’s as unique as your story.
Modern Upgrades:
After consulting with Neil, we’ve swapped the wet hydrolastic suspension for dry rubber cones for better reliability, upgraded to 7.5” Cooper S disc brakes for stopping power, and added a Maniflow Cooper 3-branch manifold with a twin-box side-exit exhaust for that unmistakable growl.
Challenges & Triumphs:
No restoration is without its hurdles. The gearbox showed signs of a botched prior repair, with idler gear thrust washers misaligned, and some parts were missing or beyond salvage.
But at Mini Sport, challenges are just opportunities to shine.
We sourced specialist replacements, crafted bespoke solutions, and kept Neil in the loop every step of the way.
The result?
A Mini that’s shaping up to exceed showroom standards – built to be driven, enjoyed, and admired.
Why Mini Sport?
As a family-owned business with decades of experience, we’re more than just a workshop – we’re part of the classic Mini community. Whether it’s, tuning engines, or delivering a car that turns heads, our heritage and hands-on approach make us the UK’s go-to . Neil’s Mk1 is proof of that commitment – and we’d love to bring the same magic to your project.
Follow the Journey:
This restoration is just getting started, and we’re sharing every milestone. Head to our social media, Facebook or Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates, from engine building to the final polish. Want to see what your Mini could become? Visit Mini Sport Services to explore our services or get in touch for a consultation – mention “Neil’s Mk1” for a great deal.