Generating cult status during the final four decades of the last century, the original Mini was introduced in 1959.
An instant hit, the ultra-compact Mini was penned by Sir Alec Issigonis and became one of the most cherished, most loved, and highly sought-after cars in markets around the world.
A particular favourite with Mini aficionados was the sporty Cooper variant which debuted in 1961. It acquired its name from John Cooper, a friend of Issigonis and owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula One cars.
Its power-to-weight ratio (or ‘fun-per-ton’) was off the scale.
Its diminutive stature and unsurpassed performance consistently delivered a thrilling driving experience ‘as if on rails’ and guaranteed a hundred smiles-per-gallon!
This Austin Mini’s data plate tells us that it started life as a ‘Mini Racing Flame’ variant when it came off the Longbridge production line in late April, 1989.
Only 5,000 units of this special edition were made to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Mini.
It received its first UK registration on 9th May, 1989. Six owners later, it was acquired by the current keeper in early September 2014, who has cherished the car for the past eight years and spared no expense in its mechanical upkeep and overall appearance, now as a Cooper 1275 replica.
The vehicle is currently SORNed, but a fresh MoT will await the new keeper.
Accompanying the car will be the V5 Certificate in his name, the original Owner’s Handbook, Service Record, a small file of recent invoices detailing work undertaken totalling around £6,500.
The original interior presents in exceptional condition which belies its 33 years and is commensurate more with its age than its low mileage.
The electrically-operated roll-back Webasto sunroof opens pretty much the entire length of the roof allowing an abundance of natural light to flood the cabin. The remaining headliner is in very good condition.
As with the wood-veneered dashboard and door cappings, the door cards, sun visors and other soft furnishings all present in remarkably good condition.
The retro-fit Alpine CDE-120RR CD radio offers a direct USB and auxiliary input. It sounds in perfect working order, as are the car’s other instruments, switchgear and backlights.
Slide into the driver’s seat, grip the dinky steering wheel and wiggle the gear lever.
Suddenly, you’re transported back to the late 80s and if ‘Eternal Flame’ by The Bangles was to become your earworm, our understanding would be complete!
Handsomely presented in British Racing Green, the very good condition of the interior continues on to the outside of this iconic British plaything.
Its exemplary condition is indicative of the love and care afforded to it by its keepers in recent years and the replication of the ‘Cooper’ element has been sympathetically undertaken.
A good-looking set of ‘Revolution Wheels’ alloys are fitted all round (including the spare), which are shod with a healthy set of 165/60R12 Yokohama A539s, perfect for this car’s sporty dynamic.
At the front, the headlight lenses are clear and the plastic indicator/reflector lenses show no hint of fogging often associated with a car of this age. The same may be said for the rear light clusters.
The brightwork around the car is in good condition with age-related pitting evident on the boot piece and left door mirror mount (but not the right). These are detailed in the gallery.
A cursory glance down each flank shows no evidence of damage and even the front number plate and valance, for all their vulnerability, remain blemish free.
A 12-month MoT awaits the new keeper prior to handover.
At the photo location, the Mini was occasionally repositioned to obtain the best of the available light.
The 1275cc engine started first and every time and settled into a throaty burble. The four-speed manual gearbox connected smoothly – including reverse – and the clutch engaged with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
Online records show that the car has been driven less than 2,500 miles in eight years. In August 2016, the car received a new rear sub-frame, a little welding and a few consumables to qualify for an MoT pass at that time.
The keeper reports the car to be in very good condition with the Mini’s steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear delivering the smiles as well as their respective British engineers intended almost 35 years ago.
The underside and lower sills appear to be in very good order with a degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
As the years tick by, good quality, original Mini’s are becoming harder to find and healthy, well-maintained examples such as this rarely come to market.
With its ‘Cooper-esque’ dual fuel tanks and powered by the spritely 1275cc power plant, the car continues to hold its own on modern roads.
With decent accommodation for its type, the super-large electric Webasto sunroof and excellent parts availability, high quality Mini examples such as this continue to flourish in popularity.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1989 Austin Mini Cooper 1275 Replica
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