1996 Rover Mini Cooper

Highlights

  • Excellent aesthetic order
  • One of the most desirable colour specs
  • Well maintained, largely original example

The Appeal

Stylish, fun, timeless. An icon loved the world over. It could only be a Mini. 
The dynamic little piece of automotive history solidly cemented itself at the top of the cult classic icon list a long time ago and has comfortably remained there ever since. Naturally demand for good examples is on a continual high, and cars like the one we have here, tend to get snapped up rather quickly, as these late 90s era Minis are often regarded the best of the bunch for those looking to use their car, pairing that iconic classic styling with a more refined driveline and a handful of creature comforts to make this a wholly usable classic automobile.
Used as an art piece in the current vendor's home, this 1996 Mini has been excellently preserved and will no doubt make a wonderful addition to any collection.



The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 30/04/1996
  • Originally a Japanese market car
  • Brought into the UK circa 2007
  • Purchased by the current owner in 2017 to use as an art piece within their home
  • Car has therefore amassed very little mileage and has been in dry climate controlled storage for around 6 years
  • Accompanied by a collection of invoices for work undertaken and parts bought from various Mini specialists throughout the vehicles lifetime
  • UK registered with V5 registration document present
  • Vendor advises a full 12 month MOT will be put on the vehicle prior to sale



The Interior

  • Exceptionally clean interior space, this car has worn its miles well and the interior really shows that
  • Good quality black vinyl seating front and rear distinctly lacking in wear and boasting contrasting cream piping for an added touch of style
  • Cooper leather steering wheel in great shape
  • Great well fitting headliner, clean and rich in colour
  • Walnut finish dash panel in great shape, still with a great shine
  • Switchgear and interior controls all present well and reported to be functioning fully
  • Interior trim and furnishings of an incredibly high quality
  • Two excellent door panels with matching wood finish door cappings
  • Neat and simple boot area, in good overall order
  • Contrasting red floor mats



The Exterior

  • Impeccable red exterior paintwork with gloss white roof, arguably the finest colour choice for a classic Mini
  • Union Jack roof motif of an impeccable standard
  • White side stripes and cooper decals in good shape
  • Well presented car from an aesthetic perspective
  • Marvellous chrome trim across the exterior, all with a brilliant shine
  • Twin fog lights
  • Badging, glass and exterior trim all of a good quality
  • Panel gaps appear consistent and concise
  • Mesh headlight guards
  • Bonnet mounted racing stripes
  • Four great eight spoke Mini alloy wheels, all of a good standard and smartly presented



The Mechanics

  • Appears to be in good overall mechanical standing
  • Incredibly clean engine and engine bay
  • As the car has been largely sat covering very few miles in recent years, a general refresh and service would likely benefit the car
  • Starts comfortably and idles well
  • Marvellous four cylinder tone from the rear mounted exhaust
  • Vendor reports a good drive and crisp gear changes from the car
  • Wealth of enthusiast and parts support available for these models
  • Sills and underside present in good solid form



Summary

This 1996 Mini Cooper presents one with an excellent opportunity to acquire an impeccably preserved example of what may be one of the most beloved classic cars of all time. Effortlessly cool and endlessly fun, these Minis can do it all and the later 90s ones we see here are now seen as the ones to go for if you're looking for a genuinely usable example of the iconic piece.
In great condition inside and out, this is certainly one of the finer examples on the market today.

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.*

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.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1996
  • Make Rover
  • Model Mini Cooper
  • Colour Red
  • Odometer 72,739 Miles
  • Engine size 1270
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Cuffley
  • Location Hertfordshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
18 bids
  • Mi•••• £7,600 02/04/23
  • Pa•••• £7,500 02/04/23
  • Pa•••• £7,400 02/04/23
  • st•••• £7,300 02/04/23
  • Pa•••• £7,200 02/04/23
  • st•••• £7,100 02/04/23
  • Pa•••• £7,000 02/04/23
  • st•••• £6,900 02/04/23
  • Pa•••• £6,800 02/04/23
  • ja•••• £6,600 02/04/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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