1966 Mini Cooper S, “Super Box”

History

The Austin Mini Cooper S, known as “Super Box”, was manufactured on October 19, 1966, and purchased new in 1967 by Richard “Dick” Reynolds from a dealership in Detroit, Michigan. Reynolds soon relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the Mini began its competition career as a drag racing car.

Reynolds achieved notable success, winning the 1969 Florida State Drag Racing Championship in NHRA Quarter Stock class competition. He also competed at Miami-Hollywood Speedway, including participation in NHRA Spring Nationals events, where the Mini reportedly ran quarter-mile times in the 16.7 second range. The car’s energetic launches and distinctive character earned it the nickname “Super Box,” a name it retains to this day.

In 1970, Reynolds expanded his ambitions beyond drag racing and attended SCCA Drivers School, converting the Mini into a circuit racing car. Through the early and mid-1970s, the Cooper S was actively campaigned in Midwest SCCA events. Documented races include appearances at prominent regional circuits such as Nelson Ledges Road Course, Indianapolis Raceway Park, Waterford Hills Raceway, Grattan Raceway, and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. During the 1972–1973 offseason, the car underwent further development and was issued a new SCCA logbook in July 1973 reflecting its revised configuration and appearance.

Following Reynolds’ ownership, the car passed through several Midwest owners while continuing to compete in SCCA races. In 1987, it was acquired by Ted Bernstein, who undertook a comprehensive restoration while preserving the Mini’s original bodyshell. The car remained active throughout the 1990s and early 2000s in vintage racing with organizations including SVRA and HSR, remaining in competition until approximately 2004.

The current ownership began in 2021, when the car was acquired from Bernstein’s estate following a lengthy period of inactivity. During recommissioning, the original logbook was rediscovered, confirming and documenting the car’s early SCCA history, period livery, and Reynolds’ ownership. This discovery enabled accurate historical preservation and presentation.

Since returning to active competition, “Super Box” has appeared at major historic racing events including:

• CSRG events at Sonoma Raceway and Thunderhill

• SVRA Trans-Am Speedfest at Laguna Seca

• Velocity Invitational at Laguna Seca and Sonoma Raceway

• CSRG Charity Challenge

• Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (2024)

This Mini Cooper S remains an active and recognized participant in historic racing, with continuous documented competition history spanning nearly six decades.

Description

The transition from drag racing to circuit racing began in 1970, when Reynolds prepared the car for SCCA competition using typical period grassroots race preparation techniques. These included replacement of the factory Hydrolastic suspension system with traditional rubber cone suspension, improving reliability and serviceability for road racing conditions.

A roll cage was installed, incorporating both rear and front hoops fabricated using locally bent tubing. Additional chassis modifications included installation of a rear anti-roll bar and competition suspension tuning.

Driver ergonomics were improved with installation of an extended gearshift lever, sourced from a Mini 850, to accommodate Reynolds’ height and seating position. The car also received period race livery, including sponsor identification for Reynolds’ auto parts business, “Pit Stop Foreign Car Parts,” and distinctive oversized yellow race numbers, which were innovatively produced using projected typography—an uncommon technique at the time.

During subsequent ownership under Ted Bernstein beginning in 1987, the car underwent a comprehensive mechanical restoration. The original bodyshell was retained, while body panels were straightened and mechanical components were overhauled. The car continued racing extensively in vintage competition following this restoration.

After acquisition in 2021, the current owner recommissioned the car following approximately fifteen years of inactivity. Mechanical systems were returned to fully operational condition, and the car was prepared for historic racing use. Its period-correct livery was recreated using details documented in the original logbook and period photographs, preserving its authentic early-1970s appearance. Since recommissioning, the Mini has raced in the following events.

2022 Season

04/01/22 – CSRG DLVR Sonoma – Group 3

04/22/22 – SVRA TransAm Speedfest – Laguna Seca – Group 1

04/22/22 – SVRA TransAm Speedfest – Laguna Seca – Historic B/C Sedan 

10/14/22 – Velocity Invitational – Laguna Seca – Mini vs. Mustang Enduro

11/05/22 – CSRG Thunderhill Season Finale – Group 3 

11/05/22 – CSRG Thunderhill Season Finale – Group 9

2023 Season

03/24/23 – CSRG DLVR Sonoma – Group 3

09/08/23 – CSRG Charity Challenge Sonoma – Group 3 

11/10/23 – Velocity Invitational Mini vs. Mustang Challenge 

2024 Season

08/24/24 – Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2024

“Super Box” is a Florida state NHRA drag racing class champion. It is a multiple national drag racing record holder. It has documented SCCA road racing history back to the early 1970’s. It has raced at the highest level in historic racing, including the Rolex Monterey Reunion, and the Velocity Invitational, where it was co-driven by Velocity founder, Jeff O’Neil. 

If you want a Mini that gets into all of the events, one that can run at the front, one that looks great, and one that has a fabulously fun story for your storyboard, we think you just found it. Seriously, how many Minis were drag racing champions, right? It makes you smile just to think about it.

All vehicle descriptions are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Corrections, and supplemental information, are always welcome. Buyers are responsible for confirming vehicle histories, condition, and authenticity to their own satisfaction prior to purchase. Motorsports Market is not the owner of the vehicle and assumes no liability for errors and omissions.

(c) 1996-2026, Motorsports Market. All Rights Reserved.

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