Description
An exceptionally original and remarkably low-mileage 1990 Rover Mini City 1000 Automatic, which has covered only approximately 9, 050 miles from new.
This is not a restored Mini. Its appeal lies in just how extraordinarily well it has survived.
Finished in its original solid powder blue, the car retains its original paintwork throughout and is remarkably free from corrosion. The usual Mini problem areas are exceptionally well preserved, while the interior remains in superb original condition and shows remarkably little evidence of its 36 years.
The originality extends to details seldom still found. It retains its original supplying-dealer number plates and rear-window sticker, and even the factory aerial aperture remains unused with its original blanking grommet still fitted.
It is powered by the 998cc A-series engine coupled to the four-speed automatic transmission.
Exceptional documented history
The approximately 9, 050-mile history is supported by numerous previous MOT certificates, invoices and other documentation.
The car comes with a document wallet containing the handbook and associated literature, together with original correspondence from the supplying garage to the original purchaser concerning the car and its warranty. Remarkably, this period correspondence remains in its original Unipart envelope.
Featured by Classic Car Weekly
Most significantly, this actual car was independently inspected and featured in the 2 May 2018 edition of Classic Car Weekly, when its recorded mileage was just 8, 900 miles.
Their assessment was exceptionally complimentary. During the inspection they reported finding “absolutely no signs of rot”, describing the boot floor as looking new and being similarly enthusiastic about the sills and body panels.
The paintwork, interior, engine bay and mechanical condition all received an extremely favourable assessment, and the article ultimately described it as one of the finest Minis on the open market.
The original copy of that issue accompanies the car, providing a valuable independent record of both its mileage and condition in 2018.
Remarkably, the Mini has covered only around 150 miles since that inspection.
An unusual part of its history
Following the 2018 feature and subsequent advertising, the Mini was bought by two young enthusiasts before they had reached their 17th birthdays.
With parental supervision, they used the car to learn about basic mechanics, preparation and the care of a classic Mini. Importantly, they never actually drove the car.
Instead, considerable attention was devoted to maintaining its exceptional condition. During their ownership approximately £2, 500 was spent with Croydon Minis, with the invoices remaining in the history file.
I purchased the Mini from them in 2019, after they had completed the work they wished to undertake.
Since then it has continued to be carefully preserved rather than used as an everyday car. It has been sympathetically detailed and polished and, in my opinion, presents even better today than when inspected by Classic Car Weekly in 2018, while retaining the originality which makes it so special.
A genuine survivor
There are many restored Minis available. Finding one which has survived in this condition while covering only around 9, 050 miles in 36 years is altogether more difficult.
Highlights include:
Approx. 9, 050 miles from new
Original paintwork throughout
Exceptional corrosion-free condition
Superb original interior
Original supplying-dealer number plates and rear-window sticker
Original aerial-hole blanking grommet
Handbook and associated literature
Extensive MOT and invoice history
Original supplying-dealer correspondence and Unipart envelope
Approx. £2, 500 of Croydon Minis invoices
Featured and independently inspected by Classic Car Weekly, 2 May 2018, at 8, 900 miles
Only around 150 miles covered since that inspection
Original copy of the magazine feature included
This is not simply a very clean Mini, but a remarkably preserved and extensively documented 9, 000-mile original survivor.
Viewing and inspection are strongly encouraged, as the car really needs to be seen to appreciate its condition and originality.
£13, 995
Serious enquiries welcome.
