Famed F1 photographer raced this Austin Cooper S in the Targa Florio

Jan 10 at 11:06 AM
Click code to view picture1963 Austin Cooper S by J.A. Ackley
Jan 10, 2026

This Austin Cooper S is a two-time Targa Florio entrant–and famed F1 photographer Bernard Cahier drove it both times. He, along with his son Paul-Henri, photographed Formula 1 for years and their work makes up one of the largest archives of F1 photography.



The Cooper S is one of Downton Engineering’s 1071cc development cars. In its first Targa Florio appearance, Cahier and Count Metternich did not complete the distance required to be classified. The following year, repainted a darker color, with 1963 bodywork and converted to left-hand drive, Cahier and Rob Slotemaker finished 25th overall.



Cahier received the car on a permanent loan and the Cahier family kept it until 2013. Its layers of paint and various mechanical cues confirm this is indeed the car Cahier campaigned back in the day.



Find this 1963 Austin Cooper S for auction at Artcurial, with an estimated value of €40,000-€60,000 (approximately $50,000-$70,000 USD).