Mk1 Mini Jem found in Shropshire

Richard Proudlove of Wrexham recently found a Mk1 Mini Jem in his native Shropshire. The car looks to be well-rotten but seems complete and is believed to have had just one owner from new. Unfortunately not much further information is available. There is no V5 log book at present, although the car's former registration number is known to have been 'UMD 480F', indicating it was registered in 1967 or 1968 in Middlesex. It's clearly a Mk1 shell with the short bonnet and steeper windscreen angle. It's a pity though that at one stage the car's rear was cut open to create a hatchback door. The interior sports Restall seats and typical flat dash. According to our own engine expert Richy Hawcroft the engine looks to be a small bore 998 on a 3 sync box: "Look at the thick alloy ridge at the top of the transfer case, only three sync had that, the later four sync either nothing or the boss for the breather. It could be a Cooper, but it must be early as it has the ‘R’ clips on the valve springs." I say 10 point for eagle-eyedness. Richard Proudlove ads: "My dad has had the rear wheels off today and it's got a Cooper 'S' rear sub frame and brakes!" He is now planning a rebuild and enter it in racing after that. It would be very nice for Julius Thurgood's new HDRC series… A daring winter project!