Highlights

Genuine John Cooper Garages conversion with all receipts and invoices
Comprehensively restored by Keith Miller between 2020 and 2024 with £13,000 of parts fitted
Only 1,500 miles covered since restoration
Retains its original engine
Extensive history file covering both early history and subsequent work

The Appeal

Back in the 80s, eager to renew the Mini's fortunes, John Cooper Garages began offering Rover-approved garage conversions, which eked out just about every ounce you could get from Issigonis's little city car. Carried out under the watchful eye of John Cooper himself, these factory-tuned cars offered a level of engineering quality and period authenticity that aftermarket modifications simply cannot replicate. Genuine JCG-converted examples are increasingly rare, and for many, it may well be the most desirable example of the car out there.

This 1989 Racing Green example benefits from a thorough JCG specification that includes a modified engine with a free-flowing cylinder head, rare leather interior with JC Corbeau sport seats, a Motolite Cooper Steering wheel, Mistral Mod Cooper wheels, alloy filler cap, aluminium door handles, and a lowered steering column. It retains its original engine, now rebuilt and upgraded to 1,040cc, producing 70hp with a crisp throttle response.

Between 2020 and 2024, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration, all supported by a detailed parts list and receipts. Since completion, it has covered just 1,500 miles and has been garaged throughout. With its documented JCG provenance and freshly restored condition, this is a rare car indeed that's ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper.

Key Information

Mileage: 81,900 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: valid until April 2027
Technical specs: 1040cc with Stage 3 Cooper Head & Twin SU carbs. 3-branch manifold, Maniflow exhaust, four-speed manual
Paperwork: JCG conversion receipts and invoices, restoration parts list and receipts, and invoices covering early history

The Detail

Restoration undertaken by the well-known Classic Mini Workshop
Engine rebuilt by Paul Jefferies during restoration, with the engine upgraded to 1,040cc producing 70hp
Suspension fully renewed during restoration
New Maniflow exhaust fitted
The vendor tells us that the underside is very clean
Some typical Mini engine oil leaks present, which will eventually need tightening or seal replacement
Garaged since restoration with only 1,500 miles covered
JCG specification includes:
- Rare leather interior with JC Corbeau sport seats
- Motolite Cooper Steering wheel
- Mistral Mod Cooper wheels
- Alloy filler cap
- Aluminium door handles
- Lowered steering column
Original period Cooper rear badge fitted; additional decals and badges added during restoration
Small hair 15mm long in paintwork above windscreen, described by the vender as barely noticeable
Wisps of blue smoke appear on cold start which clears once the engine is hot, standard of a fast road engine

BEFORE YOU BUY

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