A Mini with true pedigree and significance – this is one of only two official Vortz development cars and the very first to be registered by Nick Vrotsos (known simply as “Vortz”), the man who reshaped the legend of the Mini Cooper through his engineering vision.

First registered in April 1970 as a Mini 1275 GT, HVW 10H was purchased by Nick Vrotsos in December 1976 and completely re-engineered as the development prototype for the forthcoming Vortz Mk4 Cooper S. The DVLA inspected the finished car and it was re-registered as a Mk3 Cooper S with a brand-new chassis designation: XAD1 – making it historically significant as the first “new” Cooper S built and approved after Leyland had ceased official Cooper production.

Retained by Vortz for several years, HVW 10H was used as both a demonstrator and test car before being sold on. Its history includes long-term ownership in Austria (1992–2018), before returning to the UK and being acquired by its current custodian in 2020.

Presented today in its striking Blaze Red paintwork, set off perfectly by gold Minilite wheels and Lucas spotlamps, this Vortz Cooper S captures the rally-bred spirit of the Mini at its peak. Inside, period-correct details mix with purposeful upgrades: bucket seats, harnesses, a Moto-Lita steering wheel and additional instrumentation, all befitting a car intended for motorsport use.

Under the bonnet lies a 1293cc A-series engine with twin SU carburettors, alloy inlet, sports manifold and stainless exhaust system – all hallmarks of Vortz tuning. It remains a car that delivers performance with reliability, and a distinctive stance thanks to its pioneering use of 13-inch wheels – something Rover themselves only introduced two decades later.

This car is accompanied by a comprehensive history file, including period magazine features, Vortz Racing Cars documentation, and a bespoke binder chronicling its life and provenance. Few Minis carry this level of significance in the post-works era, making HVW 10H a standout collector’s item.

HVW 10H isn’t simply a Mini – it’s a landmark in the Cooper story. As the first recognised Vortz Cooper S, it bridges the gap between the original BMC Works heritage and the specialist-engineered cars that kept the Cooper flame alive through the 1970s–1990s. A rare opportunity to acquire a Mini of true historical importance, with both provenance and individuality.

As always at Classicwise, this Vortz Cooper S will be supplied fully inspected, freshly serviced, and ready to drive, show or add to a discerning collection.

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown