Highlights

High-spec replica of the legendary Mini Cooper S
Bodyshell built by British Motor Heritage at Longbridge and displayed at the Silverstone Mini 40th anniversary show
Swiftune-built 1,380cc engine producing 101.5 bhp
Built by Playmini using genuine Rover parts throughout
Warm dry stored since its build in 2000

The Appeal

The original Mini Cooper S remains one of the most coveted small performance cars ever made, and a well-sorted replica built to a high specification offers much of the thrill at a fraction of the cost. This example goes further than most, combining a notable bodyshell, a Swiftune-built engine, and a thorough Playmini build into a car that the vendor states is a turnkey proposition.

The MK3/4 bodyshell was built for British Motor Heritage at the Longbridge plant, painted by BMH in Tartan Red, and displayed at the Silverstone Mini 40th anniversary show in 1999. Playmini then constructed the car using genuine Rover subframes, hubs, and brakes. In 2010, the engine was upgraded to a Swiftune-built 1,380cc unit, fed by a Playmini twin 1½ SU carburettor kit and mated to a straight cut close ratio gearbox with a Quaife ATB differential. Swiftune also set the suspension geometry and corner weights, and the vendor states the car corners on rails whilst retaining comfortable road manners.

The interior is trimmed with a Newton Commercial kit, and MK1-style exterior details complete the Cooper S look. Built for the owner's wife in 2000 and used sparingly, the car has covered just 1,478 miles.

Key Information

Mileage: 1,478 miles (mileage since build completed in 2000)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
Technical specs: 1,380cc Swiftune-built A Series four-cylinder petrol, straight cut close ratio four-speed manual
Paperwork: dyno readout included in the gallery

The Detail

Bodyshell built by British Motor Heritage at Longbridge and painted by BMH in Tartan Red
Shell displayed at the Silverstone Mini 40th anniversary show in 1999
Underside colour-coded with stone chip protection
Swiftune-built 1,380cc engine producing 101.5 bhp at 6,737 rpm and 91.7 ft/lb torque at 5,008 rpm
Engine upgraded in 2010, originally fitted with SPI running carburettors
Playmini twin 1½ SU carburettor kit with K&N air filters and electronic fuel pump
Roller rockers, Swiftune modified cylinder head and distributor
Playmini stainless-steel small-bore exhaust, Maniflow LCB, Lucas gold sports coil, and uprated clutch
Straight cut close ratio four-speed gearbox with Quaife ATB differential and straight cut drop gears
Cooper S callipers at the front, genuine Rover drums at the rear
Rover brake servo and braided brake lines
Suspension geometry and corner weights set by Swiftune
Yokohama tyres, adjustable front tie bars with poly bushes, and adjustable rear camber kit
Adjustable shock absorbers, genuine Rover suspension cones with adjustable height trumpets
Newton Commercial interior trim including carpet, seats, panels, and S cream crackle headliner
Trimmed top dash rail with Japanese vent finishers
Limited edition Playmini Motolita steering wheel with polished billet boss
Smiths rev counter, three clock centre dials, and 130 MPH Cooper S speedometer
Playmini door escutcheons, alloy interior handle kit, alloy gear knob, and Cooper S ashtray
Early heater assembly and wicker picnic under-seat baskets
Reverse rim alloy wheels with hub caps, corner bars, and overriders
Cooper S grille with quick release kit and TEX polished mirrors
Chrome arch trim, clear glass flat indicators, and halogen headlamps
MK1 boot lid with hinged number plate, MK1 rear lamps, and opening rear windows
Dummy twin tank kit and boot board kit
Serviced annually by Playmini
Warm dry stored throughout its life post-build
Road tax/MOT exempt as a re-shell of a 1961 MK1 Mini 850

BEFORE YOU BUY

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