Highlights

Acquired by the vendor in 2013 with only 9,500 miles on the odometer
Drives exceedingly well with go-kart like handling
A great deal of work and servicing completed during current ownership

The Appeal

As the original Mini’s long production run drew to a close, Rover decided to give the legendary little car a fitting send-off by creating a number of special editions and performance packs. Here we have a lovely example of what became the flagship of the Mini range, a 1275 Rover Mini Cooper Sport.

Having covered a mere 22,429 miles from new, this Mini continues to feel tight and responsive out on the road. The vendor informs us that it has received a great deal of attention during their ownership and is now reluctantly offered for sale due to them relocating overseas. If you’re after one of the last original Minis, then this low mileage, well looked after car could be the one for you.

The History and Paperwork

Acquired by the vendor in 2013 with 9,500 miles on the odometer
Substantial bodywork restoration work was carried out in November 2018 and October 2019
Original Mini service book stamped up until 2022
V5C present
Collection of old MOT certificates
Numerous invoices for work carried out during present ownership
Mini brochure material included
A small collection of photographs is also present

The Interior

Alloy interior pack
The front seats display some wear but are in very good condition overall
The rear bench seat appears in excellent overall condition
Very little wear to the driving controls
All of the black carpeting looks to be in good order
There are a few marks on the headlining but it is mostly clean and well supported
The original radio turns on but does not function correctly
Some cracking around the instrument binnacle
The dashboard is in good overall shape
Some of the vinyl is lifting on the door cards but they appear smart overall
Original spare wheel remains in the boot

The Exterior

Solar Red with Platinum roof
A little corrosion is showing on the headlamp rings
The remaining chrome looks to be in good order
The paintwork is in very good order overall
The vendor points out that shade of red is not perfectly matched across all panels
Small bubble on the offside scuttle panel
Minor corrosion on the nearside sill and around the gutters
£500 was spent on a respray of the scuttle panel in April 2014
£3,000 spent in November 2018 replacing the offside front wing, offside wheel arch, grill, front bumper and front panel
A couple of spot lamps were also added following the fabrication work
£2,200 was spent in October 2019 repairing the offside sill panel and waxoyling the underside
Looks to be in good order underneath with a little corrosion creeping through in places
Minilite-style wheels in very good order, with minimal deterioration
The tyres are in fair condition although the vendor advises that the nearside rear will soon need replacement

The Mechanics

Radiator replaced in 2018
The engine compartment looks very clean and tidy
The vendor informs us that there is a slight oil leak
Runs well with a fruity exhaust note
Accelerates strongly and changes gear smoothly
Brakes well and in a straight line
The vendor reports that it handles like a go-kart

Summary

Presented in very good overall condition, this Mini Cooper Sport is a really smart example and is great fun to drive. Benefiting from some bodywork restoration during the last few years and reportedly in fine mechanical order, this car is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.

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.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.