Highlights
- Rare model celebrating Paddy Hopkirk’s return to the Monte Carlo rally
- Original and well preserved example retaining the features of this limited edition
- Solid and very usable example with scope to improve
- One of only 160 red Monte Carlo special editions
The Appeal
The Mini Cooper’s success on the Monte Carlo Rally between 1964 and 1967 amazed onlookers and sealed its status as a bonafide motoring classic. Thirty years on Paddy Hopkirk returned to pilot a Mini on the Monte Carlo and the moment was celebrated with a special edition of the plucky little car.
These Monte Carlo special editions were finished, naturally, in red with a host of detail touches setting them apart from other models. Most were sent to Japan but a couple of hundred remained in Europe.
This is one of them, a well preserved example retaining all of the original features of these limited run cars. It is solid and presentable but appears to have been off the road for a few years so will require some recommissioning. Which is surely a worthwhile project for a car celebrating one of the Mini’s greatest achievements.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 20th March 1995
- Some history with the car including a Controle Technique dated 4th July 2014
- Insurance stickers in the car indicate it was last in use in 2018
- Replacement headlamp bezels and arch trims supplied with the car
- Unfortunately at the time of writing we did not have access to the service history for this car
- The Monte Carlo was based on the contemporary Mini Cooper
- 1,000 cars produced of which 200 were sold in Europe
- Of the 200, only 160 were red like this car
The Interior
- Classic two-tone red and cream interior references the early Mini Coopers
- Seat insert and door card trim appears to replicate the pattern of some early Coopers
- Interior is well kept and presentable but with some for localised improvement
- Wood veneer dashboard with cream dials
- Wood veneer around radio aperture beginning to peel
- Light stains on bases of front seats
- Aftermarket Sony face-off stereo
- Cooper gear knob
- Red carpets in good condition but may benefit from a valet
- Headlining generally presentable but with small marks and a tear above the passenger sun visor
- Red leather steering wheel
- Rear vanity light is loose from fitting
- Remaining switchgear and door fittings in good, presentable condition
The Exterior
- Flame Red bodywork with Monte Carlo decals and Cooper trim
- Minilite-style black alloy wheels with polished rims and matching spare
- Rims are in good condition but with some paint flake visible
- Bodywork is well kept with a few minor marks and chips around the car but nothing unsightly
- Underside continues the theme showing slight surface rust but nothing of significant concern
- Small touched in scratch on driver’s door at the base
- Some marks in the rubber surround of the rear window
- Small marks on chrome windscreen trim
- Lights in good condition with classic four spotlight set up
- Chrome in good condition with no visible dents or pitting on the handles and bumpers
The Mechanics
- 1,275cc fuel injected four cylinder engine
- 4psd manual gearbox
- History file includes old Controle Technique documents and Certificates d'Immatriculation
Summary
The Mini’s success on the Monte Carlo is surely seared into the memories of enthusiasts, a remarkable showing for a small car on a long rally. The 1994 Monte Carlo special edition stayed true to the aesthetics of those wins, its narrow tyres creating a nimble performer just like the original.
This rare European market Monte Carlo retains its special factory fittings and looks to be in solid, very usable condition. Just 160 were sold in this specification. There may be some work to do to recommission it and scope to improve but once done it will be a distinctive and entertaining addition to any collection.
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