Description
A highly engaging example of the Rover Mini Cooper, upgraded by John Cooper Garages to 1400 S specification and further developed into a potent fast-road specification.
It is powered by a naturally aspirated 1. 4-litre (1, 380cc) transverse inline-four, driving the front wheels through a rare Jack Knight straight-cut five-speed manual gearbox.
This example was originally supplied as a 1, 275cc Mini Cooper and subsequently converted by John Cooper Garages in Ferring, Worthing (conversion ref: 0014-1400S), with accompanying documentation and plaques retained.
First registered in October 1991, this example has been with the seller for seven years.
The odometer indicates 70, 361 miles, which the seller believes to be the genuine total.
EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES
This Mini Cooper is finished in an appealing shade of green, over a black and grey leather-trimmed interior, featuring green seat piping and stitching, a black Alcantara dashboard inlay, and aluminium and chrome trim.
It rides on a set of 10-inch Minilite alloy wheels fitted with Yokohama Advan HF tyres.
Equipment includes a leather bonnet tie-down strap, a heated rear screen, a Moto Lita steering wheel, and heater and ventilation controls.
The engine now features Cosworth forged pistons, a Kent camshaft, a fully lightened and balanced bottom-end, a Cross pin differential, a big valve cylinder head, Titan roller rockers, a Metro Turbo clutch, a Maniflow LCB manifold and exhaust system, and twin 1½-inch SU carburettors set up by V-Max Scart, where it reportedly produced 102. 6bhp.
Suspension upgrades include a Hi-Lo kit, fully adjustable front arms and rear camber brackets by KAD, and KAD four-piston alloy front brake callipers with 7. 5-inch Cooper S vented and cross-drilled discs, plus Minifins at the rear.
Further notable upgrades include: alloy John Cooper door furniture, a custom-built dashboard, a Safety Devices roll cage (not for competition but to protect previous owners children!), a professionally installed custom Bluetooth audio system mounted within a bespoke compartment in the boot, and a billet aluminium gear knob.
The car is supplied with the original owner’s handbook, the John Cooper Garages conversion certificates and plaques, two sets of keys, the V5C, and an extensive collection of maintenance invoices and parts receipts.
CONDITION
Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
Specific notes from the seller include: the roof and bonnet have been repainted in the body colour. Minor scratches are reported on the roof and on the wheel arches. Inside, there is a slight stitching separation of approximately one inch on the driver’s seat, and new floor panels were fitted to the driver and passenger sides in August 2025.
The car’s lastMOT test was conducted on 18 February 2026 at an indicated 70, 325 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories.
SERVICE HISTORY
The seller states that the car’s most recent maintenance was carried out in August 2025 at an indicated 70, 092 miles by Tickton Engine Services, which involved the engine being removed, the replacement of the primary and idler gears, the replacement of the driveshaft seals and front and rear crankshaft seals, the installation of a new clutch kit, an engine oil and filter change, the renewal of the offside hub/ wheel bearing and top and bottom ball joints, and the fitment of new driver and passenger floor panels. The total invoice was approximately £3, 800.
The seller states that prior to this, an engine oil and filter service was carried out at approximately an indicated 67, 000 miles by the current owner.
The seller states that new Yokohama tyres and a new battery were fitted in February 2025.
SUMMARY
This Rover Mini Cooper represents an extensively uprated example of the endearing modern classic city car, professionally converted by John Cooper Garages and subsequently enhanced with carefully selected fast-road and chassis upgrades. With over 100bhp in a lightweight shell, a rare five-speed straight-cut gearbox, and extensive documentation spanning more than three decades, it offers an involving and characterful driving experience. A compelling opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a well-documented, high-performance classic Mini suitable for spirited weekend drives and car show visits alike. Producing 105bhp. Fabulous handling and fully customised interior. Receipts for every £ spent since new.
A rare car.
