The Stuff of Myths and Legends: Rare ‘Chassis No. 1’ 1980 Vortz Formula ‘R’ Mini Cooper up for auction
Everyone loves old minis, which is why Evoke Classics is thrilled to announce that the inaugural Mini ‘Cooper’ Formula ‘R’ – built by the renowned Nick Vrostsos, owner of Vortz Racing – is up for auction on evoke-classics.com
Currently residing in its Aberystwyth lair, this little dragon is expected to set Evoke’s online auction platform on fire.
Sarah Crabtree, Evoke Classics’ sales director, said: “We are over the moon that Nick chose us to bring this car to market. Vortz cars have an amazing following with mythical status. Mini fans around the world have only dared to whisper about the existence and whereabouts of Chassis #1. It’s here – along with your chance to own it.”
The tale of how this Almond Green/Old English White-coloured Mini first roared onto the scene is the stuff of legends. Its creator – self-taught engineer Nick Vrostsos – began his company, Vortz, in the 1960s when his early successes saw him carry out upgrades to Jaguars and Spridgets.
When the production of the Mini Cooper S ended in 1971, he took the decision to fill that hole by building his own version.
Nick bought new minis, totally stripped, repainted, and retrimmed them, and – crucially – meticulously re-engineered them into road racers. In fact, as much as 80% of the Vortz Coopers were unique Vortz parts, manufactured in house. Nick’s first production minis – produced in the 1970s – were known as the Vortz Mini Cooper S MkIV.
In the 1980s, Nick developed 100bhp Cooper Formula ‘R,’ which had a nod to snappy 60s racers. The first of these models – which is unregistered and has just 976 miles on the clock – is now ready to go.
Sarah explained: “Throughout all the Vortz Cooper Minis there are common themes; hand-built, quality and exclusivity. Bearing in mind that, at the time, there was no tinter-web or even basic BBC Acorn Computers, old school tool making came into play – or kit was adapted or tracked down from the original BMC suppliers.”
She added: “The Vortz Rose Petal wheels, cylinder heads, camshafts, air boxes, manifolds, exhaust systems – you name it - even the rear lights were made by Vortz. It is reported that at one stage Nick considered making his own tyres, he was that much of a perfectionist.”
Nick produced Vortz Minis for some 20 years and, during that time, they gained a global following, particularly in Japan. In the late 1980s, Rover gained exclusive rights to the Cooper name. Ironically, the effect of Rover’s decision was that Vortz Mini Coopers became even more desirable.
Sarah said: “This is truly a unique classic. As the saying goes: ‘try and find another’. Don’t bother – there isn’t one!”
The engineering of this jaw-dropping find includes:
• 1293cc engine
• Numerous upgrades
• A balanced EN40B crank
• Lightened rods
• Vortz’s own steel centre main cap
• A balanced Cooper S pre-Verto clutch assembly
• Duplex timing gear
• Gas-flowed head
• Featuring 35.6/31 valves
• And Nick’s own design of round exhaust ports
• A matching Vortz round-port exhaust manifold is also fitted
• A custom Vortz exhaust
• The inlet manifold was also made in-house
• The manifold joins two HS4 carbs
• Completed with the legendary Vortz airbox
• The gearbox has also been built with great care and attention
• The unit runs a 3.44 final drive.
The outside of the Formula R is spectacular and features:
• Almond Green paint
• A white roof
• Hand-cut Cooper Car Co decal
• An in-house manufactured right-hand fuel tank
• Those unique 10-inch CR wheels
• Goodyear tyres
• Rear light units made by Vortz – as is the grille featuring cut-outs to allow air to the oil cooler. (Nick made his own grilles at first, but then managed to get original manufacturer Piano Forte to make them again.)
Then you jump inside – take a deep breath. It is special.
• An in-house dash pod
• Vortz instruments
• That coarse-grain Cooper-style interior trim makes an appearance to the top-level Formula R
• The rear seat still has its factory protection on
• The front seats are recliners adapted to provide more room in the cabin
• Bespoke steering wheel – unique to chassis No.1 – later Formula ‘R’ were leather rimmed Mota-Lita