- Exceptional provenance
- Demonstrated at Goodwood in 2009
This recreation of a 1968 Cooper Car Company Group 5 Race Car has been skilfully put together to accurately represent one of the four legendary 1968 CCC Mk. II Group 5 cars. Built using a genuine 1968 Mk. II shell, the vehicle features period-correct mechanical components that root it deeply in historic motorsport tradition.
The car is well known in the Mini Cooper Register (MCR) and comprehensive files have now been prepared that track its history since the mid-1970's. Indeed, this recreation began following the closure of Downton Engineering at that time when engineer John Hoad gathered together and assembled various mechanical components and a Mk. II shell before selling the project to Mike Feetham in 1994. Feetham then went on to substantially complete the build and sold it through Bonhams in 2007 to Mike Mark. Mark then undertook a careful, comprehensive completion of the car for hill climbs and sprints, culminating in a notable demonstration run driven by John Rhodes at Goodwood in 2009. It was also Mark who registered the car with the appropriate registration number GPH 1G, a deliberate nod to the famous 1965 CCC car, GPH 1C.
Acquired by the current vendor in 2021the car carries a genuine patina that reflects its history and use of some 50 years. Under current ownership, GPH 1G has been expertly maintained by Phil Anning of Anning's Race and Restoration and has undergone various mechanical works including replacement timing cover and primary gear seals, flywheel balancing, the fitting of the correct rear anti-roll bar, suspension and tracking adjustments, renewal of the nylon fuel lines, and full testing and refurbishment of the fuel injectors. Since 2021, it has been a regular and popular fixture at the annual MCR National Mini Day at Beaulieu and the BMC and Leyland Show at Gaydon.
Built strictly to 1968 Group 5 season specifications, the mechanical details are outstanding. The powertrain features a Cooper S 1293cc thick-flange block paired with a highly desirable Lucas mechanical fuel injection system and a Weslake 8-port cylinder head. The engine incorporates numerous unique period components, including a specialised camshaft, a dedicated fuel metering unit, relocated dynamo pulleys and tensioners, and custom throttle bodies with intake trumpets. Power is delivered through a straight-cut transmission with a 3.76:1 final drive.
The chassis and interior are equally period-correct, utilising a Hydrolastic gated suspension system, adjustable front arms and tie rods, and a rear anti-roll bar. Inside the cockpit, the driver is met with an auxiliary instrument panel, a Contour 7 driver's seat, and a John Rhodes steering wheel. Offered with extensive history files compiling all available historical and technical records, reference materials, and period photographs, GPH 1G represents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly accurate, well-maintained recreation of a piece of Group 5 touring car history. Consigned by James Good
