Highlights
- An original and well-preserved example of Rover’s ‘90s Cooper
- Just 17,252 miles from new
- MOT valid until July 2024
- Desirable right-hand drive Japanese import, first UK registered in November 2007
- Presented in excellent overall condition
The Appeal
Japan is well-known for its love of the compact car, with the legendary ‘Kei’ category which was originally conceived to make four-wheeled transport more accessible for the average citizen. This was not dissimilar to Alec Issigonis’ intention for the Mini, and so it’s no wonder that Japanese car enthusiasts have long coveted Britain’s take on minimalist motoring, taking delivery of over half of the Mini Coopers built by Rover towards the end of production.
We’re delighted to offer one such example, which was delivered new to Japan in 1995. After spending twelve years on their salt-free roads, it was repatriated to Britain in November of 2007 and the MOT history shows that it has been used very sparingly ever since. With just 17,252 warranted miles on the odometer, this impeccably presented and very original Cooper 1.3i is amongst the finest unrestored examples you’re likely to find. Complete with an MOT which is valid until July 2024, this car awaits its next owner.
The History and Paperwork
- Last serviced in June 2023 by the ‘Mini Place’ in Sunderland
- Just 17,252 miles from new - covering around 600 miles per year on average
- MOT valid until July 2024 - (the one advisory has been rectified through the fitment of new tyres)
- Supplied new to Japan in 1995
- First UK registered in November 2007
- Six previous UK keepers
- MOT history verifies genuine mileage
- UK V5C present
- Matching numbers
The Interior
- Part leather upholstery
- Wooden ‘Cooper’ gear knob
- Walnut dashboard
- USB stereo installed
- Excellent, clean condition
- All switchgear and instrumentation in full working order
There’s barely any room for much to go wrong inside a Mini, but the cabin of this car is a cut above the rest.
Trimmed in black and grey half-leather trim with a walnut dashboard – much loved by Japanese customers – the overall condition is superb with just a a small tear on the driver’s seat bolster apparent and only the very lightest of wear. The door trims and headlining appear excellent, as do the carpets, plastics and dashboard. We note that a modern USB-compatible stereo has been neatly installed and reportedly works as intended.
The Exterior
- British Racing Green
- All original paint in lovely order, with just the odd superficial blemish
- Structurally excellent, benefiting from few miles covered since arriving in the UK
- No MOT advisories for corrosion
- 13-inch Minilite alloys free from kerbing although slightly dulled
- New Nankang tyres fitted (post-June 2023 MOT advisory)
- Stage 1 arches fitted
Japanese cars are often exceedingly solid as there’s no salt on the roads. This Mini has covered few miles in the UK and when we examine the underside, this really shows. The floor pans and sills appear to be in excellent order and the upper body is also very sound.
It sits on 13-ich alloys with ‘Stage 1’ widened arches which lends the car a sporting feels which really suits it. Further playing on the motorsport theme, it’s resplendent in British Racing Green Metallic which we believe is all original. The paint holds a good shine as does the original chromework, with no notable deterioration or damage other than a tiny scratch on one door and the odd miniscule blemish here and there.
The Mechanics
- 1275cc MPi engine
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Recent service (June 2023)
- New starter motor and rear shock absorbers recently fitted
- Stainless steel sports exhaust
- Drives well and sounds fantastic
The Mini’s A-Series engine is one of the hardy perennials of the car world and we’re informed that this one runs really well indeed, starting on the first flick of the key and sounding fantastic thanks to its stainless steel sports exhaust system, fed through a centre-branch manifold.
It has had a recent service and full MOT (in June 2023) and the vendor reports that it drives faultlessly and is a huge amount of fun.
Summary
Everyone loves a Mini, and if you want one that’s as much a usable runabout as it is a showpiece, then this is the one for you.
This is a cracking little car that has been owned by an enthusiast, who’s only parting with it having moved house and embarked upon a bigger-than-expected building project…
It’s clearly well-loved and in very smart condition throughout, backed up by a mileage that’s almost as small as the car itself with only around 600 miles coveted each year.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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