1994 Rover Mini Cooper Monte Carlo

HIGHLIGHTS

Lovely example of a rare Mini special edition
One of 200
Only known example in Old English White
Stage 3 head, Maniflex exhaust and manifold
Bare metal respray and replacement subframe

THE APPEAL

Three decades after his giant-killing exploits at the Monte Carlo Rally made Mini rally driver Paddy Hopkirk a household name, he returned to the event to do it all again.

To mark the occasion Rover Group, which was enjoying a whole new-found popularity for the original Mini thanks to the 1990 launch of the Cooper models, decided to mark the occasion with a special edition. The Mini Cooper Monte Carlo was based on the Copper 1.3i and was built in a run of just 200 cars, offered only in Flame Red or Black with a white roof, and featuring unique badges, a special red and cream interior, four rally-style driving lamps and 12-inch Minilite-style alloys, shrouded with wider than normal extended arches.

This one was registered in June 1994 and was originally a black Monte Carlo, but following a full bare metal respray the previous keeper reversed the colours to white with a black roof, making this the only known Monte Carlo in rather fetching Old English White. It’s a lovely restoration, presented in really smart overall condition.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

UK V5C
MOT February 2024
Extensive history file documenting restoration works with photographs and receipts, including £1000s of parts invoices from well-known Mini specialists
Service book stamped to 64,500 miles in 2004 and then again at 97k in 2020, after complete engine rebuild by Jonspeed Engineering
Original book pack and handbooks
Previously featured in Mini Magazine
Letter from previous owner documenting all works carried out during their ownership

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THE INTERIOR

All original seats, trim and carpets
Red and cream part-leather upholstery with matching red door cards and carpets
Original Monte Carlo special edition floor mats
Aftermarket CD stereo upgrade
Three-spoke leather-bound sports steering wheel
Walnut dash in good order, with a couple of minor cracks

THE EXTERIOR

Full bare metal respray in Old English White
New Heritage subframe
New wings during rebuild
Replacement bonnet, scuttle panel, A-panels, door skins and boot lid
12-inch Minilite-style alloy wheels in good order
Gloss black wheel arch extensions
Appears structurally very good
No obvious signs of any corrosion in all the usual mini areas – headlight seams, A-pillars, boot floor corners, rear quarters and sill areas all appear to be in very good condition
Very presentable order but not concours

THE MECHANICS

A+ block bored +.020, fitted with new core plugs and oil gallery plugs
1,293cc capacity
AE 21253 pistons fitted to A+ balanced rods
Crank reground and polished, Vandervell bearings used - Mains (VP91886), Big ends, 1,275 thrust washer set and balanced with flywheel and clutch assembly.
Kent Camshaft with new cam bearings and followers
Duplex timing gear kit upgrade
SPI clutch with solid centre clutch plate
Stage 3 ported and polished cylinder head with 36mm inlet valves and 31mm exhaust valves and lead-free valve inserts
Exhaust seats and new valve guides
Fully reconditioned A+ gearbox
Differential rebuilt with new competition diff pin
Heavy duty adjustable front suspension arms, new grooved and drilled front discs and tuff pads, ball joints, track rod arms, mini fin rear drums, pads and cylinders
Spax adjustable dampers
Maniflex exhaust and manifold
The car starts and drives with no obvious faults being evident other than those noted however this vehicle is being auctioned as needing a good going over before any use as there may be faults which are not observed

SUMMARY

This is a lovely example of a rare and sought-after special edition Mini, which has been subject to an extensive and expensive restoration with some tasteful and well-executed performance upgrades. It’s in superb overall order and would make a great show car, as well as being one that’s an absolute giggle to drive.

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