Description
A 1989 Mini ‘Racing’ limited edition in rare unmodified condition.
The car has a comprehensive file of invoices dating back to 1992, every MOT certificate, and most of its tax discs (including the original 1989-1990 disc). The original handbook pack is present and even includes an AA phone box key!
F270 RPF was sold by Austin Rover dealer Swain and Jones of Farnham to Mr and Mrs H in March 1989. The original invoice is included with the car. We have been told that Mr and Mrs H sold the car (to keeper ‘2’) after the launch of the ‘new’ Mini in 2001, but they apparently missed it so much that they quickly bought it back – presumably becoming keeper number ‘3’ in the process. They then sold the car to a friend in early 2012 (keeper '4'), from whom we bought the car in autumn 2012.
In our ownership, the car has largely been used only on dry days between March and October, and has been garaged. We have averaged 1000 miles per year. It has been serviced annually and maintained by specialists, including McDonald Minis and The Mini Works in East Lothian, and South Side Mini Centre in Glasgow. Parts fitted in our ownership have generally been supplied by Minispares and we have generally bought ‘original specification’ items e. g. from British Mini Heritage.
Major work prior to our ownership includes:
- New rear subframe (2005)
- New front end panels and doorskins (2009)
- New bootlid (2010)
Work in our ownership includes:
- Adjustable shocks (2013)
- New sills (the correct, open/ vented type) (2014)
- Grille replaced with correct Nimbus Grey type (2017)
- New rear bumper (Minispares stainless steel) (2018)
- New bonnet (2019)
- Genuine Rover 1990s high level brake light (2019)
- New rubber cone suspension (2019 – front, 2020 - rear)
- Gearbox rebuild by McDonald Minis (2020)
- New tyres (2020)
- Repainted wheeltrims (2021)
- New windscreen (2021)
- New heater matrix (2021)
- New SU carburettor (2023)
The mileage – 92200 – is backed up by the history and MOT records. It often surprises those who see the car, as they often assume based on its appearance that it has done far fewer miles.
The car was last serviced and MOTd in March 2024 with no advisories.
No corrosion has been noted on any recent MOTs, and the ‘usual Mini’ rot areas – sills, front seams, front end, floor – appear to be sound. There are a few blemishes to the exterior: some very minor dents to the roof; very minor corrosion to the seam behind the rear bumper (below the offside rear lamp); and, if you look very hard, a tiny amount of corrosion to the seam under the nearside headlight immediately next to the grille. Several years ago we noted slight rust staining in the roof gutter but this was touched in (without removing the gutter trim) and has not reappeared. We have liberally treated the car to Bilt Hamber cavity waxes over the years, the underside/ subframes have been inspected annually and if necessary undersealed. The minor items of corrosion noted here have not got any worse in our ownership.
The interior retains the original ‘Crayons’ fabric trim, which appears in good order (with slight wear to the driver’s seat backrest). The driver's seat cushion has been restitched to the vinyl rear gusset but this is not noticeable. The heater and fan work well. The radio/ cassette is an early 1990s Rover item though we also have an original 1989 radio, correct to the car’s original specification, which will be included in the sale. The two original ‘pod’ speakers are intact on the rear parcel shelf. The Mini is from a non-smoking, pet-free home.
Mechanically, the engine is running to stock 998cc carburettor specification though with electronic ignition. It pulls well through the gears and will cruise at 65-70mph if necessary. As noted above, the gearbox – a typical point of failure on a Mini of this mileage – has been fully rebuilt by well-known gearbox specialist Clarke McDonald. One advantage of a 30+ year old car is that, although not yet tax-exempt, it can be driven without charge in Scottish LEZ zones.
There are two copies of each key (e. g. doors, ignition, radio aerial) apart from the petrol cap.
Obviously the car is 35 years old, and so it is not perfect. Furthermore, the basic Mini design is 65 years old and does require a degree of ongoing TLC in a way that modern cars do not. I have described it to the best of my knowledge and ability, but I cannot offer or imply any guarantees, and so serious potential purchasers are encouraged to get in touch, by message or phone (do leave a voicemail if I don't answer in time!). I am happy to answer any questions or to supply further photos if potential buyers wish to reassure themselves about specific points.
The car is located in Glasgow. Accompanied test drives are possible, with proof of * comprehensive* insurance cover on your part, or I can take you on a varied route.
The buyer will need either to collect the car themselves or to arrange transport. This car will appeal to fans of the Mini’s late-1980s special/ limited editions, perhaps someone who wants a well-maintained car in largely original specification with what are now rare trim items.
The Mini ‘Racing’ was one of four two-colour special editions launched in early 1989 to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the launch of the classic Mini. By this date, Austin Rover's design department was on a roll, and Mini special editions had increasingly bold colours and graphics. The early 1989 special editions were Racing (green/ white), Flame (red/ white), Sky (white/ blue) and Rose (white/ pink). Racing and Flame were filed with the DVLA as a single model, hence the V5 states 'Racing Flame'. The cars were based on the regular City E model, which meant fixed rear windows, a single wing mirror on the driver's side only, and plastic wheeltrims (painted the same 'White Diamond' colour as the roof). They have 998cc engines with carburettor, and c. 40hp, though some were treated by buyers to Cooper conversions, then increasingly available and approved by Austin Rover.
In 1990, revised versions of Racing and Flame were launched, with the same decals. The 1990 versions were officially renamed the ‘Racing Green’ and ‘Flame Red’ models, and were followed by the relaunched Mini Cooper range. The 1989 cars can be distinguished by their white painted plastic wheeltrims, grey painted grille, and ‘Nimbus grey’ plastic exterior trim. Most of the distinctive 1989 items remain on this Mini. In particular, the rare plastic wheeltrims, often now lost or replaced with alloys, often prompt favourable comments!
We will include various spare ‘1989’ parts in the sale, including Nimbus grey trim pieces and extra wheeltrims.
This Mini might make a good Festival of the Unexceptional entry in 2025! It certainly stands out among the many Mini Coopers and modified cars that are more commonly seen now. It illustrates a different but important side to the Mini’s history, as the car shifted from being 'economy' transport to something more fashionable.
