- One of the 1,071 cc Cooper S development cars from Downtown Engineering

- Used by Bernard Cahier, one of the most renowned automotive photographers

- Acquired directly from Henri Cahier by its current owner in 2013

- No reserve

Bernard Cahier took part in the 1962 Targa Florio at the wheel of an Austin Cooper Mk I, a development car that formed part of the programme which would ultimately give birth to the Cooper S. The car was entered by Downton Engineering, the renowned British specialist responsible for the competition development of the Austin Mini.

Although Cahier was forced to retire in the 1962 edition of the Sicilian classic, he returned the following year and finished 25th overall in 1963. After this appearance, the car was returned to Downton Engineering. Subsequently, Cahier was entrusted with another identical 1963 Austin Cooper S, supplied by Downton as a “permanent loan”. In 1974, he imported this car into France via the Annecy customs office, without ever registering it in his own name. Remarkably, the car remained within the Cahier family until it was sold in 2013 to its present owner, a prominent German collector of historic racing cars.

While it was long believed by the Cahier family that this car was the actual Targa Florio entry, recent research has revealed a period photograph showing this example alongside the confirmed race car, suggesting that it is not the vehicle used in competition. Nevertheless, intriguing details remain: traces of the original paintwork discovered beneath the current finish correspond closely to that of the Targa Florio car.

Mechanically, the car bears clear evidence of its competition-oriented past, including a right-cut close-ratio racing gearbox and a 1,071 cc Cooper short-valve cylinder head. The interior retains a distinctive dashboard configuration, notably preserving its mile-reading odometer, further attesting to its British origins.

The car was later used extensively in France by Bernard Cahier’s American wife, who adorned it with numerous US-market stickers, many of which remain in place today, contributing to its unique period character.

Whether or not this example competed directly in the Targa Florio, it remains a highly original Mk I Mini with outstanding provenance. Its close association with Downton Engineering, combined with long-term ownership by Bernard Cahier — one of the most influential automotive photographers of his era — makes this car a compelling opportunity to acquire one of the earliest Cooper S development cars, preserved in notably authentic condition.

Please note that the correct description of the car is the one from the online catalogue, not the paper catalogue.

Please note that due to an administrative error, the VIN number shown on the German title is C-A257L-384241 instead of C-A2S7L-38424.