Master Class
MiniWorld|December 2019
Back when concours restos were on the fringe of the mainstream scene, Roy Gudge joined a small band of visionaries who made their Mini Coopers better than new. He tells us about his stunning twice-restored 998cc Mk2 Cooper.
Roy Gudge
Master Class

I must confess to not being an avid follower of the BMC Mini Cooper during the golden years. In the very early 70s I became aware of a local ‘Mini Ace’ by the name of Paul Gaymer. He had been the Mini Seven ‘King’ of 1969. One day, I asked him for his thoughts on the Mini Coopers, as I was thinking of seeking one to purchase. His response was emphatic: “The best Mini Cooper ever made was the Mk2 998.” He did state, as we would all agree, that the 998 should have had S brakes and, nearly as significant, would have had 4.5” reverse rims as standard.

Although both of my Minis’ engines have been balanced, my friend Jeff Leyden always said, as he drove my S to shows and had had his own Ss, that he felt the 1275 resembled a tractor and, car for car, the 998 was like a Mini Rolls Royce. The Mk2 Cooper front seat cushions were like a coachbuilt car’s compared to the Mk1. (My Morris Mini Cooper 1275 S Mk2 was in MiniWorld’s March 2015 issue).

To be honest I am not sure, with the passage of the years, how it all came together but I was working at a Leyland dealer near Haslemere, in West Surrey, at the time. One day there appeared a superb-looking 1969 Mk2 998 Cooper in standard format, even with the 850 wheel embellishers. Best of all was the colour: the highly favoured Island Blue and Snowberry White. I fell in love with it straight away, and approached the member of staff who owned it, but it was not for sale. It was a couple of years before it became mine in May 1977.

In those days the S was insurance group six rated and the 998 at group four. We all know it doesn’t have the oomph of the 1275, or the stopping power, but it did cut the 850’s 0-60mph time effectively in half and, as most will be aware, the S did not quite cut this in half again.

This story is from the December 2019 edition of MiniWorld.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2019 edition of MiniWorld.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MINIWORLDView All
Skin Deep
MiniWorld

Skin Deep

Scott Whitmore raced Mini Stox from the age of 10 and bought his first road Mini at 14. He already knew he was going to work in car body restoration. Just as well really...

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2019
Master Class
MiniWorld

Master Class

Back when concours restos were on the fringe of the mainstream scene, Roy Gudge joined a small band of visionaries who made their Mini Coopers better than new. He tells us about his stunning twice-restored 998cc Mk2 Cooper.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 2019
Weekend Warrior
MiniWorld

Weekend Warrior

This early Clubman was destined for a tough dual-purpose life as a daily driver and international competition car but a thorough restoration has given it a surprising third role, as a prize-winning show car.

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2019
Tyred & Tested
MiniWorld

Tyred & Tested

Martin Hockley took what was a relatively plain-looking Mini Van and turned it into an eye-catching homage to a great British brand.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2019
The Italian Job 50th Anniversary With Art
MiniWorld

The Italian Job 50th Anniversary With Art

Bex Celebrates The Iconic Italian Job Anniversary With Her Exclusive Signed Artworks.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2019
Mothballed Revival
MiniWorld

Mothballed Revival

Even though Michael Gill’s humble 1972 Austin Mini 1000 had been unused for eight years when he bought it back in 2015, it still required a thorough restoration.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2019
A Mini Addiction
MiniWorld

A Mini Addiction

Gary Pearson, of SELKent Mini Club, is a self-confessed Miniholic…

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2017
Rylstone Classic
MiniWorld

Rylstone Classic

Rylstone Classic

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2017
Goodwood Revival
MiniWorld

Goodwood Revival

Goodwood Revival

time-read
1 min  |
November 2017
Legendary Grand Tour
MiniWorld

Legendary Grand Tour

Legendary Grand Tour

time-read
1 min  |
November 2017