If the Goodwood Revival’s St. Mary’s Trophy were a school play, the Mini Cooper S would be the cheeky chorus kid with more personality than height. Out on track, this comically small hatchback can often be seen brushing chrome-wear of Ford Galaxies and Jaguar MkIIs in a way that’s part performance art, part pure motorsport spectacle. In a paddock full of American V8 thunder and elegant British saloons oozing ability, the classic Mini remains the scrappy Brit with a unwaivable heart and a mischievous grin.

As historic racing continues to surge in popularity, with events cropping up all over the world allowing weekend racers the chance to rub shoulders and wheel trims with some of motorsport’s elite, the Mini Cooper S slots perfectly into multiple categories, especially when they are as well sorted as this example heading to Broad Arrow Auctions' upcoming online sale. 

This example has been restored and set up to deliver real thrills on track, originally built for Ben Schuckburgh by Mono Sport and CKL. A staggering figure of over £60,000 was lavished on the car during its comprehensive "no expense spared" upgrading process, making it perfectly and almost immediately competitive when set amongst a grid of period-correct touring cars. While its engine bay may be smaller than most EV headlights, its Kent Auto Development-built engine produces 128 horsepower, more than enough when you consider it weighs next to nothing!

Ready for its first lap around the track, the car was sanctioned to wear the legendary two-tone blue and white livery of the historic Scottish racing team, Ecurie Ecosse. Under current ownership, the Mini has been raced with the Classic Sports Car Club and, previously, with the Historic Sports Car Club, and most notably at the historic Goodwood Revival. A requirement to enter these races is a FIA Historic Technical Passport, which remains valid for racing, hill climbing, and rallying. Though the Passport is set to expire at the end of 2026, it is reported the car will be easy to enter the renewal process for its next caretaker.

So, if 2026 is the year you fancy taking to the racetrack in a classic car bursting with historical significance and true eyebrow raising performance and agility, the classic Mini Cooper S is the ideal candidate. Lovable in its looks, but a fierce competitor when the flag drops, we look forward to seeing this one tearing it up at a racetrack soon!

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