1996 Rover Mini Cooper 1.3
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Highlights
- 1275cc Mini Cooper with lesser-seen automatic transmission
- Best-of-British spec with racing green paintwork and handsome two-tone interior
- Valid MOT until July 2024
- Ex-Japanese import with air conditioning
The Appeal
The legendary Mini Cooper met a golden era in the 1990s. Unlikely it may have been, but in an age of Britpop and Cool Britannia, the now distinctly old-fashioned little motor had become a fashion icon - and still managed to attract plenty of admiration from the road-going public for excellent handling and surprising levels of performance.
This was particularly true in Japan, where during the 90s, Anglo-obsession was riding high. As a result, a huge stack of Minis were sent to the East from British soil, fitted with customary air-conditioning to suit Japanese tastes.
Steadily, over the past fifteen years, these cars have been arriving back on their home soil, free of corrosion thanks to Japan’s salt-free roads, in simply excellent order. This is one of those - and what a looker it is. Wrapped in the car’s near-ubiquitous racing green livery with four fog lamps and a handsome period interior, it’s a true best-of-British example.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1996
- One of thousands of Minis sent to the Japanese market
- Returned to the UK in 2015
- In current ownership since 2020
- The car currently indicates 33,572 miles on a five-figure odometer
- This can’t be verified, though low mileage is characteristic of Japanese Minis
- The car has a valid MOT until July 2024
- Paperwork file includes:
- V5c document
- MOT certificates
- Some invoices for work carried out in 2017 and 2018
The Interior
- Impressive interior with desirable two-tone half-leather seats
- Seats are free of rips, tears and marks
- Highly kept throughout
- Door cards carry some light signs of sag and some wear to the trim
- Highly original with a walnut dashboard
- We note that the binnacle may be a different age, due to the change in hue
- All instruments are clean and well-kept with no reported faults
- We understand the air-conditioning to be working well
- The car’s original stitch-trimmed steering wheel is in good order
- Carpets and headlining are clean and well-kept
- Boot is solid and well-kept with a toolkit and spare wheel
The Exterior
- Ever-iconic, the Mini is one of the most recognisable cars in history
- Panel fit is good with no unseemly gaps
- Some blistering and paint loss to the driver’s side door
- Some wear and corrosion to the sills
- Blistering is visible on the boot door, though nothing too significant
- Elsewhere, the bodywork is in good order
- Painted in British Racing Green with white roof, coachline, mirrors and stripes
- Paintwork is largely in excellent condition with a good, clean shine
- The white accents, trims and branding all present well
- The brightwork is nicely kept with only light patina
- Glasswork and lenses are all in good order with no cracks or fractures
- The car is sitting on its original branded alloys, which present well
- Shod in a sent of Powertrac Citytour tyres which have plenty of tread
- Underneath, it’s clear that the chassis has benefited from salt-free Japanese roads
- We can spot only light signs of surface corrosion
The Mechanics
- Powered by a 1275cc A-Series i4 powerplant
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Engine bay presents well with only minor wear
- The vendor notes that it cut off recently while driving
- He believes the Mini may need a good service
- The car hasn’t been driven much over the past two years
- Valid MOT until July 2024 with no advisories
- We’ve no reports of leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke
- The car is reportedly starting first time with zero fuss
Summary
With its top-notch specs, attractive trim and impressive condition, we’ve no doubt this Mini will get plenty of interest. This is an excellent all-rounder - and a perfect pick of daily driver, to boot.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1996
- Make Rover
- Model Mini Cooper
- Colour Green
- Odometer 33,572 Miles
- Engine size 1275
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Birmingham
- Location West Midlands
- Country United Kingdom
5
bids
- GEOMEC £5,200 24/09/23
- CheeseO•••• £5,100 24/09/23
- aviani-•••• £4,600 24/09/23
- Perry C•••• £4,500 21/09/23
- boxer_f•••• £1,000 21/09/23
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