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. Modifications included replacing the factory Hydrolastic suspension system with traditional rubber cone suspension to improve performance and reliability. 

A roll cage was installed incorporating both rear and front hoops. Additional chassis modifications included installation of a rear anti-roll bar. 

An extended gearshift lever was 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. 

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 Mini continued racing extensively in vintage competition following this restoration.

The current owner began recommissioning the Mini in 2022, following approximately fifteen years of inactivity since Bernstein last raced it. The mechanical systems were significantly upgraded, including Koni adjustable shocks, adjustable Hi-Lo suspension, an adjustable rear sway bar, and Cooper S brakes with a Lockheed dual master cylinder. A cockpit-adjustable brake bias system was also installed. A brand new Fuel Safe 8 gallon enduro fuel cell was also added.

The gearbox is now a later-model rod-change setup with Jack Knight dog gears, a Tran-X–style limited-slip differential, a straight-cut 3.75 final drive ratio, and a stock gearshift lever.

The engine is a 1275 +.060 overbore unit. It features an MD186 Kent camshaft, stock crank and rods, a Cometic head gasket, and straight-cut roller-type drop gears. Fuel is delivered through a 45 DCOE Weber carburetor. The Mini is equipped with a Mocal 16-row oil cooler with -10AN braided lines. An adjustable rev limiter has also been installed and is currently set at 7,000 rpm.

This engine is designed to run approximately ten race weekends at this level of tune and rev limit. The cost to refresh is in the $5,000 range. The engine currently has one race weekend on it, possibly two, as it has been accepted to run at the upcoming Velocity event.

The seat belts are new and expire at the end of 2028. The fire bottle was recharged at the end of 2025.

The Mini is now adorned in period-correct livery recreated using details documented in the original logbook and period photographs, thus preserving its authentic early-1970s appearance.

Since recommissioning, the Mini has competed in the following events:

2022 Season:
04/01/22 – CSRG DLVR Sonoma – Group 3
04/22/22 – SVRA Trans Am SpeedFest – Laguna Seca – Group 1
04/22/22 – SVRA Trans Am 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 – Sonoma Raceway – Mini vs. Mustang Enduro

2024 Season:
08/24/24 – Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

“Super Box” is a Florida State NHRA drag racing class champion and a multiple National drag racing record holder. It has documented SCCA road racing history dating back to the early 1970s. It has been prepared by, and is currently maintained by, Mini racing experts Racing Racing.

The car has competed at the highest levels of historic racing, including the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Velocity Invitational, where it was co-driven by Velocity founder Jeff O’Neil. 

If you want a Mini with great history that gains entry into top events, one that can run at the front, one that looks fantastic, and one that comes with a fabulously fun story for your paddock conversations, we believe this is your Mini.

How many other Minis were drag racing champions? It makes you smile just thinking 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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