Launched in 1959 by the British Motor Corporation, the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor—dubbed the “Mini”—were an instant hit. Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, it could seat four and had a peppy 850-cubic-centimeter four-cylinder engine. John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company, worked with Issigonis to create the Mini Cooper, which made its public debut in September 1961 and featured a more powerful 997-cubic-centimeter engine. By February 1964, an even larger 1,275-cubic-centimeter engine was available in Cooper S specification. Though the Mini was hugely popular with an impressive four-decade production run totaling more than 5.3 million units, the Cooper S Mk II is by far the rarest variant, with only some 6,300 produced in total. “As soon as you turn a corner, you understand why this car's handling was such a revolution in its day and why it has commanded such a loyal following for four decades,” wrote Joe DeMatio for Motor Trend in 2003.

This left-hand-drive Cooper S Mk II completed production on 25 February 1969 finished as it is today in Island Blue with a Snowberry White top over Black trim, according to its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate. A copy of the original bill of sale indicates it was purchased new on 15 July 1969 at Horwood Bros. Motors Ltd. in Victoria, British Columbia, an emblem for which is still present at the rear of the vehicle. The Mini’s original Canadian owner, a resident of British Columbia, is said to have retained the car for 41 years, the last 20 of which was in storage, according to history compiled by the second owner. Intact and reportedly in highly original condition, the Mini required recommissioning so the new owner, also of British Columbia, immediately set about refurbishing and mechanically restoring it, taking a phased approach while conferring with marque experts and parts suppliers to restore it to original specifications starting in 2011.

The process extended until 2012 and involved marque experts completely rebuilding the numbers-matching engine with race-spec parts. Period-correct aftermarket enhancements were added over time, including leather Corbeau bucket seats and Minilite-style wheels. Now fully decked out for rally use, adjustable suspension components, a quick-shift kit, auxiliary gauges, driving lights, and a skid plate were added, along with various other parts designed to enhance performance, handling, and reliability while tastefully preserving a period look. Its odometer displayed 27,523 miles at handling, although it is not known if this is original.

Acquired by the Dare to Dream Collection in late 2012, the car has remained well-preserved in its fully refurbished state, showing gentle patina in certain areas but otherwise little sign of use. It is now offered with an extensive history file, which includes the original bill of sale, a BMHIT certificate, invoices dating back to 1970, restoration photos, manuals, and a detailed account of all work performed since 2011.