Highlights
- Without doubt one of the best remaining examples
- With last registered keeper 21 years
- £10,000 spent since 2016
The Appeal
Amongst the myriad of special edition Minis produced over the years, the Mini Cooper RSP deserves special consideration as it effectively heralded the relaunch of the Mini Cooper name. Introduced in
September 1990, the Mini Cooper RSP (Rover Special Products) quickly sold out and convinced Rover to put the model into series production. The RSP featured Rover’s 1275cc A-series engine with a 1.5” SU carb, and it was one of the last carburettor Minis released before the introduction of fuel injection. The combination of the carbureted engine, an attractive specification and its special place in Mini history makes the Mini Cooper RSP highly sought after.
This example has had over £10,000 spent on it since 2016 to bring it up to the lovely condition in which we now find it. With great bodywork and a thoroughly refreshed interior, it’s sure to attract jealous glances wherever it goes. So if you want a car that marks an important milestone in the long history of the iconic Mini with nothing to do except enjoy it then get bidding now.
The History and Paperwork
- First sold by Cavendish Motors, London on 14th September 1990
- Fitted with a full set of period interior alloy fittings, purchased from John Cooper Garages, in the early 1990s comprising door handles, door pulls, window winders and a rare binnacle cover
- New one piece carpet in red fitted last year
- Recent service work includes new thermostat (with full coolant flush), fan belt, ignition coil, distributor cap, rotor arm, ball joins, bushes, front bump stops and front brake callipers, disks and pads
- Comprehensive history file and a documented timeline of service, maintenance and ownership records
- Original owners handbooks
- MOT (no advisories) expires 14 July 2022
- V5 present
The Interior
- Lovely condition
- John Cooper period alloy interior fittings
- New carpet installed last year
The cabin has been fully refreshed and presents very well with the new red carpet in particular lifting its appearance. The seats are in very good condition with no rips or holes and the period John Cooper alloy door handles, door pulls, window winders and binnacle cover set it off nicely. The John Cooper Garages sticker in the rear window is also a nice touch.
There are of course a few signs of age with a little patination to the red steering wheel, for example, but overall it’s very tidy. Back in the boot, there is a full sized spare wheel which, when removed, reveals that the boor floor is pristine.
The Exterior
- British Racing Green under a Diamond white roof
- Resprayed 2016
- Excellent chrome
Finished in British Racing Green with John Cooper bonnet stripes, this Mini looks the absolute business. The paintwork has a deep lustre and the chrome is in excellent condition. Having been resprayed in 2016, there are naturally a few light blemishes and stone chips but you have to be really looking to find them.
The wheels were also refurbished in 2016 but remain unmarked and wear a set of tyres with plenty of tread remaining. Overall, you’re going to be hard pressed to find one in as good condition as this.
The Mechanics
- Drives exactly as it should
- Recent work to keep it in prime condition
- Ready to be enjoyed!
The great thing about classic Minis is that almost regardless of which version you choose, they are all an absolute riot to drive. Starting first time, every time, this Mini is no different, displaying the go-kart-like handling for which they are famed, pulling well and stopping effectively. It is smooth up and down the gears and drives without any untoward noises, just the usual Mini soundtrack. With all the love attention that this Mini has enjoyed, it’s ready for new adventures with its next owner.
Summary
A prime example of the much sought after Mini that relaunched the Mini Cooper name.
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