One of the final classic Mini Coopers, registered in the model's last year of production
Comprehensive glass-out bare shell restoration completed in 2024
Repainted in its original colours inside and out
The vendor states the interior is all original and has been retained throughout the restoration
Restoration extensively documented with photographs
The Appeal
As one of the most beloved cars ever to grace British roads, the classic Mini Cooper needs little introduction. Registered in 2000, the final year of production, this 1,275cc example represents the very end of the line for one of motoring's true icons.
Acquired by the current owner in January 2022 as a project, this Mini Cooper has since undergone a comprehensive restoration. The bodyshell was stripped, sent to a body shop where all corroded panels were replaced, and subjected to a full glass-out bare shell rust treatment before being repainted in its original colours inside and out. Undersealing and stone chip protection were applied to all exposed underside areas. Mechanically, the running gear, including brakes, clutch, suspension and electrical systems, was overhauled, while the engine itself required no major work. The road wheels were professionally restored and fitted with new tyres all round.
The vendor states that the interior is in very good condition, and the original carpets have been retained with new over mats fitted. The headlining was replaced during the rebuild. Since completion, the car has covered very few miles, limited to classic car runs. Extensively documented with photographs throughout the process, this is a thoroughly renewed example of a car that will always command affection.
The vendor says:
"The vehicle was supplied new by Marshall Rover, St Neots, Cambridgeshire on 28/042000 to a lady owner in Peterborough. It passed to its second owner on 31/08/2001, who I believe was a relative of the first owner. It remained in this ownership until August 2019. During this period, the car was used regularly until 2005, then taken off the road until 2012. It was then used for one more year, covering a further 7000 miles, and it was then SORN once again until 2019. Original tax discs support this history. The car passed to its third owner (an acquaintance or neighbour) on 21.07/2019, who took it over with a view to restoration. He found the challenge too great, and the car passed to a classic car trader, from whom I acquired it on 17/01/2022 with 47000 (genuine) miles on the clock.
"Despite my research, I could not find too much of its early life, but the only recorded MoT was in March 2012 with a mileage of 40092. History shows the second owner left the car stored and unused for two lengthy periods (in total about 14 years), which probably attracted the attention of the third owner, who I believe was a neighbour or friend of the second owner. My first viewing was from the back and it looked great, but further examination revealed a lot of corrosion in the usual Mini places. However, as this had largely resulted from storage (maybe outside) the underside and subframes were in good shape so the focus was on the top side and recommissioning the mechanicals. No major engine work was required but there was much to do with the ancillaries such as brakes, clutch and electricals.
"I purchased this as a project but also my love for Minis (everyone had a Mini in their life), but the challenge rapidly escalated as the extent general deterioration was very clear – it would not be a quick, easy or cheap! 2022 was the year for dismantling and cardboard boxes galore. It was then off to the body shop where I was presented with a shopping list of body panels required. I had a very understanding repairer (also up for a challenge), so in the body shop, the car had all corroded panels replaced, a full glass-out bare-shell rust treatment and repainting with undersealing and stone chip application to all exposed areas of the underside (I have many photographs of stages of the refurbishment. In early 2023 it came home and the rebuild began in earnest.
"After many months, weeks, days and hours of frustration, contortion, swearing and many setbacks, it finally came together in 2024."image.png1.47 MB
Key Information
Mileage: 49,000 miles (indicated, vendor believes correct; one prior recorded MOT at 40,092 miles in March 2012)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 1st September 2026
Paperwork: original tax discs present supporting usage and SORN history; vendor states no service history available; extensive photographic documentation of the restoration
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