1997 Rover Mini Cooper

Highlights

  • Fully hand-stitched leather interior with new carpets and headliner
  • Recently reconditioned engine and gearbox
  • Stripped down, de-rusted, and resprayed in original electric blue with a white roof
  • New suspension and high-lows, plus a new rear subframe
  • In current ownership for 10 years

The Appeal


By now, everybody knows the essential facts about the Mini. The charming 1960s compact is as legendary now as it was sixty years ago. These nimble little cars primarily used a tiny wheelbase for practical reasons, but it also made them incredibly agile rally and track cars, not to mention incredibly charming.

This fine example of the car has been treated to plenty of modification and cossetting since it entered the vendor's ten-year ownership. We're not talking minor stuff, either - we've got a hand-stitched interior, matched up to its handsome electric blue paintwork, a reconditioned engine, new rear subframe...much of which is catalogued in invoices and paperwork. 

Supplied with plenty of paperwork and an MOT valid until August 2025, this fine little car is ready and waiting to charm and invigorate its new owner in equal measure. 

History and Paperwork

  • First registered in 1997
  • 6 former registered keepers
  • MOT valid until August 2025
  • Never missed an MOT when not SORN
  • Owned by the current owner for 10 years
  • Stored in garages for 6 years and under a cover on a drive for 4 years
  • Comes with many invoices and MOT certificates
  • The vendor is selling to help fund their upcoming wedding
  • Currently indicates 82,206 miles - which may well be accurate
  • Has reportedly only done around 2,500 miles in current ownership 

The Condition

  • Stripped down, de-rusted, and resprayed the original electric blue with a white roof in the current ownership
  • All exterior brightwork was replaced, as well as lights following the repaint
  • Bodywork has little corrosion here and there starting to appear
  • The vendor notes these can be dealt with by a body shop fairly easily
  • Some bubbling here and there in the paintwork
  • Car is sat atop somewhat chipped Black Ultralite alloys, shod in Nankang tyres
  • Underside in fair condition with some areas of corrosion
  • The car interior is fully hand-stitched leather
  • New carpets
  • New headliner
  • New hand-stitched leather gear knob, steering wheel, and brake handle
  • This has all been matched to the car's electric blue livery 
  • Doesn't require any work if you don't want to spend money
  • Stainless steel furniture adds further to the car's sporty appearance 

The Mechanics

  • 1,275cc A-Series 4-cylinder engine
  • Manual transmission with 4 gears
  • They report that they've only done 2,500 miles in the car over the past 10 years, however, it's proven a very fun, eye-catching car to drive 
In recent years the car has seen:
  • New suspension and high-lows
  • New rear subframe
  • The engine removed and reconditioned
  • Gearbox disassembled, cleaned and reassembled
  • New alternator 
The vendor notes:
  • The car needs new cones, however this is a minor and inexpensive job
  • One minor oil leak, fairly standard for any Mini


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 

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Auction Details
  • Year 1997
  • Make Rover
  • Model Mini
  • Colour Blue
  • Odometer 82,206 Miles
  • Engine size 1275
  • Seller type Private
  • Town Beckenham
  • County Kent
  • Country United Kingdom
  • Auction ends
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Bidding history
4 Bids
  • stewart•••• £1,800 07/10/24
  • TRobbo1•••• £1,500 05/10/24
  • mike-co•••• £1,000 04/10/24
  • hoppo1•••• £500 03/10/24

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