Oh shit?

Today is not a good day in miniland. I noticed today that there are several discrepancies on the '66 that don't align with the Cooper S I.D. guide that I have. Before I get ahead of myself, the I.D. guide is for a MKII (the 1970), and not the MKI (the 1966). But I'm freaking out a bit nonetheless.

First of all, I noticed the floorpan is a different pressing than typical Australian ones. Also, some sheet metal tabs that should be in the boot are not there. Also, there is the somewhat ragged hole at the gear shift. Counterfeit Cooper S cars are everywhere--an old joke is, "of the 7,500 Coopers made in Australia, 25,000 are still on the road." So you really have to be careful when buying as there are some really good fakes out there.

I sanded test areas on fenders, doors, roof, body, boot, bonnet, and found that all had: bare metal, light green primer, butter cream color, green layers. I don't know what to make of this. The bonnet is clearly not the original for a Cooper S (missing holes for the "S"), and the fenders have been changed at some point. But the car has so many of the features of a genuine Cooper S--it doesn't make sense yet. For example, there is a support under the right fuel tank that is totally hidden and has to be spot welded in a genuine car. That is present and correct. Why would a faker spend all the time to get that support right yet leave out the easy and visible tabs?

For me, I bought these two cars knowing that the 1970 was pristine and most certainly genuine, but only had six photos of the 1966 and the advice/expertise of the seller. I am feeling a bit stupid about this right now, since I could have asked some more questions and for some more photos, that would have let me see these things up front. The bottom line is that if the '66 is a fake, I am in a bad spot. I can't in good conscience restore it and sell it as a genuine Cooper S, but if I don't pursue a full restoration I won't get anywhere near the cost of the restoration and purchase for it. Maybe get a proper shell from Australia? Or sell the car now to cut my losses?

There is a forum in Australia called ausmini.com, and I am awaiting moderator approval to be allowed to post there. I'm trying to hold off on really stressing out until I get some feedback from enthusiasts in Australia, but it's difficult at this moment.

bmc