Early convert liked 'quirky' Mini
Norm Miller's recollection of the coolest wheeled machinery from the 1970s TV series “CHiPs” wasn't the California troopers' police motorcycles. Rather, the St. Charles resident remembers a rolling diminutive character with a more minor role.
“One of the characters drove a 1966 Austin Mini Cooper,” Miller said. “It always stuck out to me; it seemed so quirky and fun.”
Motivated to be an owner, Miller purchased a butterscotch-colored '74 Mini in the mid 1980s — “a true rust bucket” that was sold off a few years later.
In 1997 Miller started searching again. This time the hunt led him to Lake Zurich and to his 1964 Austin Cooper S. The vehicle was originally destined for the English market, hence its right-side drive layout. It didn't stay in Britain but spent most of its life in British Columbia, Canada, where at some point it's condition went downhill.
Its red paint was faded and a shabby, one-piece fiberglass unit had replaced the front metal fenders and hood (the rationale would become apparent in a couple years). While rough, it was running. A set of new tires was later installed along with a new fuel pump. Still, things were far from ideal and Miller coaxed three years out of it as is, using it as his daily driver.
“The engine was pathetic,” Miller said. “The breathers were blocked off causing it to run rich. That eventually tore up the piston rings.”
Ready to freshen things up, Miller embarked on a full and proper restoration in 2000. His dad assisted, hearkening back to a childhood tradition.
“My first car was a 1969 Camaro. It was smashed in pretty well from a previous accident,” Miller said. “Dad helped me get it back together and on the road.”
With his father lending aid once again, the Austin was torn apart completely. It was only then the pair discovered the body shell was twisted, the result of previous accident. A second was sourced from an owner in Gilberts. The flimsy front clip was swapped for the factory correct individual fenders and hood.
More bodywork was necessary to remove rust from the bottom of the doors and fill several pinholes along the sides. Miller opted to retain the red color but sourced a more aggressive hue from the Dodge palette, utilizing Viper Red. Viper White was used for the roof.
When it came to power, Miller sought the advice of some leadfoot pals, originally deciding he'd use the little cruiser to burn rubber. A heavily rebuilt second engine, fitted with a hotter camshaft and carburetor, was installed. While having the ability to “take off like a rocket,” the Cooper had no low-end power and was not enjoyable on the street.
A third engine was sourced and some of the go-fast goodies were exchanged for more streetable components.
“Now it's a dream to drive around town,” Miller said. “And it's still got enough ‘oomph' if I want to stomp on it.”
It's not just the behind-the-wheel experience that brings a smile to the auto enthusiast. “It was a real joy to work with Dad again, bringing back to life another motoring icon.”