On 21 January 1964, the underdog became the giant-slayer when the Mini Cooper S won the Monte Carlo Rally for the first time.
It was the exceptional partnership of Belfast native Patrick (“Paddy”) Barron Hopkirk (1933 – 1922) and his co-driver Henry Liddon, who stunned the motorsport world by triumphing over far more powerful competitors with their compact family saloon car.
Navigating through country roads, treacherous mountain passes, icy terrains and snowy conditions, the Mini Cooper S demonstrated flawless performance, conquering tight corners and steep gradients along the way.
Subsequently, the Mini continued its dominance in the Monte Carlo Rally, with Hopkirk’s Finnish teammates Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen securing two additional overall victories in 1965 and 1967, further adding to the Mini Cooper’s prestigious collection of titles.
In Paddy Hopkirk’s own words: “Although the Mini was only a little family saloon, technically it had a lot of advantages. Its front-wheel drive and front-mounted transverse engine were a great advantage and the fact the car was smaller and the roads were ploughed, they were quite narrow, so I suppose that was an advantage. We were very lucky – the car was right, everything happened at the right time and came together at the right moment.”
The owner of this fantastic replica is Dr Beatty Crawford from County Down who has been involved in rallying in Ireland and abroad since he was a teenager. This replica of Paddy Hopkirk’s car is something he dreamt about owning since he was a medical student, when Paddy was one of his heroes. Later when navigating for Adrian Boyd in a similar Mini Cooper he finished second to Paddy in the 1967 Circuit of Ireland International Rally. They were also second, in the same Mini Cooper, to Roger Clark in 1968.
Later in life Beatty became a great friend of Paddy’s and Beatty considers Paddy to be the best rally driver ever to come out of Ireland. And as Beatty told this author; “not only was Paddy a brilliant driver but also a very fine human being.”
This faithful replica of the giant-slayer that was the Mini Cooper S was skilfully and meticulously built over many years by the late Graham McConnell from Donaghadee in County Down. Unfortunately, Graham died from lung cancer shortly after completing this labour of love.
BODYWORK
The work that Graham completed on this car was meticulous and the bodyshell received a stunning red and white works colour scheme. To accommodate the wider wheels and tires, black works type wheel arch spats were installed. Additionally, a central remote spot lamp was mounted on the roof panel.
Four Lucas spot lamps were affixed to the front panel using a works type lamp bracket. The car also boasts a set of Minilite style alloy wheels, complemented by period-correct Dunlop SP spot tires.
ENGINE
The 1293cc A series engine has undergone tuning to match the original 1966 specification. It now features twin H4 1.5″ SU carburettors, a three-branch exhaust manifold, and a centre-mounted RC40 exhaust system. An oil cooler has been installed below the dynamo.
The gearbox is a four-speed straight close ratio unit, equipped with the Cooper S remote gear change for smooth shifting. In order to safeguard the underside of the vehicle, a works sump guard has been fitted.
INTERIOR
The attention to detail of this faithful replica continues inside where the interior of this car is an exact replica of the works Monte Carlo cars of the mid 1960’s. The navigators dash has a twin trip Halda of the period, military grade Classic Heuer, eight-day Monte Carlo clock & stopwatch, mounted on the dash. There is also a handheld Heuer stopwatch on a lanyard. The dash also housed a period Avanti map light. There are switches to operate the roof light, horn & reversing spot lamp fitted.
The passenger door pocket houses backup switches, a second Avanti map light & padding to protect the navigators’ legs. A John Ally period roll bar is fitted. The front seats are works bucket seats, fitted with three-point Britax competition seatbelts. A 15” anodized Moto-Lita steering wheel completes the rally specification of the interior.
RARE ITEMS
There are several very rare rally accessories included within this vehicle. Esso & Dunlop maps from the period, Gerry bags for water & petrol, a Helphos rally search light, quick lift mechanical jacks, bulbs & spare fan belts.
And in a nod to the realities of 1960s rallying, drivers of the period were renowned for being smokers, and there are period packets of cigarettes & matches placed within the dashboard.
In a fitting testament to its authenticity, LBL 240 was driven in 2014 across Belfast from Stormont to the Titanic Museum by none other than Mr. Paddy Hopkirk during the Golden Anniversary celebration of the Monte-Carlo Rally Victory.
This stunning replica of the Mini Cooper S Works is now for sale. Please contact Beatty Crawford on [email protected]
Our thanks to Dr Beatty Crawford
Information sources:
BMC press office
British Pathé
David Merrett
LAT photographic
Mini.co.uk
Trevor McIIroy – Vintage, Historic & Classic Car Valuer
