1968 Morris Mini

Ex-Targa Tasmania Class Winner (2004) – Freshly Rebuilt Tarmac Rally 1968 Morris Cooper S Mini Replica
No ordinary Mini, this purpose-built tarmac rally weapon started its racing career as a ground-up build that the previous owner poured ~$85,000 into, then campaigned successfully in Targa Tasmania and Classic Adelaide. It took a class win in the Classic category at Targa Tasmania 2004 and has stayed on bitumen all this time – never crashed.
During a Targa Tasmania event, an engine failure meant it was completely rebuilt by James Willson of Willson Automotive (Tasmania’s undisputed Mini guru) with an A+ block in Hobart. That engine then did barely 600 km total before it passed into the possession of a well-known classic car dealer in Adelaide for his own use to compete in Classic Adelaide and other tarmac events before we bought it in 2018.
We ran it once in a local event, loved every second, then immediately sent it back to James for a full professional refresh (invoices available on request). It has just been returned to us in Launceston with a brand-new 2026 Willson rebuild – not even run in yet. Everything is fresh, tight, and ready to go.
Driving Experience
Having driven some seriously quick machinery, but nothing gives the same rush as this Mini. The light flywheel lets it rev like a sports bike. The feedback through the wheel and chassis is unbelievable; you feel everything and it gives you massive confidence to push hard. It is absolutely addictive to drive.
Key Build Highlights

1302cc A-series with light-weight hypatec pistons, lightened & balanced flywheel, heavy-duty roller rockers, and a serious competition cam (suited to rally or track)
Racing gearbox – straight-cut close-ratio 3-sync with quick-shift, cross-pin diff, new layshaft and gears in the latest rebuild
Weber 45 twin-choke carb (totally reconditioned), high-flow extractors, Magnaflow system
Twin-core radiator + twin fans, double-reduction starter for the high compression
KAD brakes with large cross-drilled front discs, finned rear drums, Green Stuff pads (the brakes are brilliant)
12” Mini Lite wheels, new tyres would be advised for competition
Full CAMS-compliant roll cage, Sparco seats, Williams 5-point harnesses (out of date for scrutineering but still safe – easy to replace)
Monit rally computer, quick-adjust harnesses, big tach, twin-speed wipers, heavy-duty bash plate, oil catch tank, ignition cut-out, etc.
All the little details: Momo wheel, UK-sourced parts where it counts

Current Condition & Minor Jobs

Fresh 2026 Willson rebuild – new roller rockers, piston rings, head studs, full 3-sync gear set, recon cylinder head, new bearings/seals throughout, water pump, oil pump, timing components – the works. Not run in yet (first 100 km gentle, then oil change and carb tune).
Paint has some battle scars where old Targa stickers were removed – honest patina on a proper rally car.
Battery is brand new
Speedo cable needs reconnecting (Monit computer does give speed reading)
Will need minor adjustments once run in.
Not road-registered and not easily made fully road-legal without engineering for roll cage and fire wall box for carb, as it is built as a dedicated competition car.

Harnesses will need updating for full CAMS scrutineering on some events, but the cage is current and everything else is competition-ready.
This thing is very close to a turn-key tarmac rally, hill climbs, sprints, or club circuit days (depending on category). Everything you need is there.
Price was much higher but we have reduced significantly as we are looking for a quick sale.
We are happy to help arrange transport anywhere in Australia from Launceston, Tasmania.
Serious enquiries only – this is a genuine, well-documented, freshly rebuilt piece of Australian tarmac-rally history with receipts going back to day one.
Call or message me (Tim) and I’ll send the full folder of build sheets, Willson invoices (2007, 2021 & 2026), original sales description, and videos of it running.