Description
First registered by Henleys Rover of Northampton on 8th June 1999, this Mini Cooper Sportspack is finished in Tahiti Blue with a contrasting white roof and body decals, complemented by a Horizon Blue leather-trimmed interior. Features include Rallye-style fog and spot lamps, 13-inch alloy wheels, chrome interior trim, a burr walnut dash and a three-clock binnacle with magnolia-faced dials. Under the bonnet resides a 1275cc multi-point injection engine producing around 62bhp through a four-speed manual transmission.
Currently displaying 75, 034 miles, this Mini boasts three private owners from new. It began its journey with Henleys Rover as a demonstrator for the first month, covering 301 miles before being sold in July 1999 to its first private owner. They cherished the car until circa 2010, when it had roughly 70, 000 miles, at which point it was part-exchanged at a dealership in Northamptonshire. The dealer principal was so enamoured with its charm that he decided to keep it in storage for several years. Upon his semi-retirement in 2017, he registered the Mini in his own name, where it remained part of his private car collection until it was acquired by an enthusiast last year. Thanks to extended periods in dry storage, the Mini has only seen approximately 800 miles since 2010.
he Tahiti Blue paintwork presents well and the chromework, glass and trim are all in excellent condition. The original factory 'body' number is present on the bonnet slam panel, while the inner wings display uniform spot welds. There are correct gaps in between the scuttle and tops of the wings, and vented sills, featuring six open flutes each, are present both sides. The undercarriage has been wire-brushed and waxoyl protected, while the sills have previously been repaired. The 13-inch alloy wheels appear in good condition, with the rear sporting new Yokohama A539 tyres. The Mini also benefits from a new brake servo, master cylinder and front shock absorbers.
Inside, the cabin is remarkably clean and well-preserved, showing minimal wear. Years of indoor storage have kept the burr walnut dashboard in great shape, as it has resisted the cracking and delamination that they so typically succumb to. The car is believed to have originally featured the ‘Monaco’ stone beige trim (standard on MPI Coopers), but the first owner preferred the Horizon Blue leather from the ‘Classic Leather’ range. Henleys fitted this interior upgrade in November 1999 at a cost of £1, 031. 43.
Elsewhere, the boot and engine bay are in commendable condition, and the 1275cc multi-point injection engine is sprightly, pulling well through all four gears.
Supplied with the Mini is a history file dating back to the point of first registration including the original bill of sale, service book and a complete MOT history record.
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