Highlights
- One of only 1,800 Paul Smith Special Edition cars
- Japanese market car with only 56,300 miles
- Recent service, suspension work and rear brake cylinder
- Stage 1 Minisport tuning kit with LCB
- Large bore free flow exhaust system
- MOT valid until March 2027
The Appeal
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Mini, Rover teamed up with famed British designer Paul Smith to produce a one-off custom-painted car featuring 86 stripes and 26 colours. It proved such a hit that a production version was created. It featured some choice touches like a 24ct golf Paul Smith bonnet badge, full leather cabin, Citrus Green accents and bespoke colours.
This early car, painted in Paul Smith Blue, is one of the 1,500 cars sold in Japan. It returned to the UK in 2001 and has still only covered 56,300 miles. It retains its array of Paul Smith special features and is in generally good order with a few points to note in photos.
The vendor acquired the car some years ago and has used it regularly. It is now fitted with a Stage 1 Minisport tuning kit, with LCB, and a larger free flow exhaust system. We’re told that it was last serviced in August 2025. Recent work includes top and bottom ball joints and a rear brake cylinder. The MOT runs to March 2027.
The vendor says:
“Since buying this car in 2014 it has never been off the road. It is our second car and is used 2 or 3 times every week and all year round, except when there is salt on the roads. I typically do 1,250 to 1,500 miles per year. It has been 100% reliable, it is great fun to drive. and receives many compliments. Important to note that as a Japanese import the odometer reads in kilometres whilst the speedometer is in miles per hour.The odometer reads 90,577 kms which corresponds to approx just 56,600 miles.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 90,619 km (approximately 56,300 miles) not verified
- Country of registration: originally Japan, UK registered since 2001
- Technical inspection status: MOT valid until March 2027 with advisories to note
- Technical specs: 1,275cc MPI 4cyl petrol, four-speed manual
- Paperwork: 2 keys plus door keys, V5C, service book
The Detail
- Oil and filter service carried out in August 2025
- New top and bottom suspension ball joints recently fitted
- New rear brake cylinder recently fitted
- Stage 1 Tuning kit from Minisport, including LCB and a larger free-flow exhaust system
- Right-hand drive with factory air conditioning, reported to be fully functional
- The vendor states the original black leather upholstery is in very good condition
- Paul Smith Blue paintwork in good general order with some marks and stone chips
- Original 12'' minilite wheels with only slightly worn Yokohama A539 tyres
- Bubbling at the top of the o/s A panel and in two spots just below the windscreen
- The vendor reports no dents or scrapes to the bodywork
- Current MOT with advisories to note for rear subframe
- Temperature gauge reads hotter than expected; the vendor believes this is a sender issue and states the engine never overheats
- Odometer reads in kilometres; speedometer reads in miles per hour we are told
- Typically covers 1,250 to 1,500 miles per year, used as a second car
- The vendor describes the car as fully reliable and great fun to drive
- Fitted with Pioneer Bluetooth stereo
- Citrus Green accents to glove box, engine bay and boot areas
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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