The term ‘icon’ gets thrown around a lot, but it sums up the Mini perfectly: Alec Issigonis’s eye for clever packaging and offbeat engineering solutions saw an unprecedented level of interior space being freed up by the canny idea of rotating the engine to be fitted transversely, and mounting the gearbox down in the sump. Back in 1959, this smart packaging really was a game-changer. The keenly-priced Mini inevitably sold like the proverbial hot cakes, particularly when a certain John Cooper suggested to BMC Chairman George Harriman that perhaps the quirky new platform could be engineered for sporting hijinks rather than mere utility…

 Fast-forward to the 1990s and we find the Cooper name being deployed in earnest with the revamped generation of fuel-injected Minis, taking the classic formula and remixing it for the modern world: carrying forward the pure dimensions and A-series engine, these later Minis also benefitted from airbags and advanced engine management. And the example we have here is particularly special, as it’s a Japanese-market Mini.

 What makes JDM Minis so special? Well, first of all there’s the fact that Japan doesn’t grit its roads, so Minis that have lived over there tend to be more solid. But more importantly, they’re very well specced: Japanese Minis were equipped with air-conditioning as standard, along with automatic transmission – and as you can see in the photos, a tasteful cabin with leather seats and wood trim.

 An eminently usable example of a much-loved classic, in beautiful condition and with a fabulous specification – how can you resist…?
 

 

The interior of a late-model Mini is a particularly joyful place, taking elements of the 1960s classics and fusing them with a stylish 1990s twist. Inside this car we find all of the original appointments, including the full-width wood dash and correct airbag-equipped steering wheel. The leather-trimmed seats are all in beautiful condition, and recline back and forth as they should to allow access to the rear.

The carpets are in good condition, as is the headlining, and all of the correct switchgear is in place and operational, with all the dash lights working. The dials work as they should, and an aftermarket JVC CD head unit with Bluetooth and DAB has been fitted. And yes, you’ll be pleased to know that the air-conditioning works well. Inside the boot it’s all dry and tidy, with a good spare wheel, decent battery, and a nice solid boot floor.

Externally, the car looks to be remarkably straight and solid with decent panel gaps. The light lenses and window glass are all decent, and the correct badging and decals are present. There’s a tasteful chrome theme, with the wavy grille complemented by bumpers with corner hoops, plus a set of chrome wing mirrors (the original white mirrors that match the roof are also included). A set of stylish 12” Ultralite alloy wheels are fitted, which help to imbue a little of that old-school rally vibe along with the twin spotlights up front.
 

The engine in this model is the most modern and advanced version of the A-series that has been a part of the Mini’s legacy since 1959. In late-1990s spec, it sports multi-point fuel injection and an ECU – so this isn’t like old Minis of yore where you might find yourself at the side of the road fiddling with condensers and looking for the clothes peg for your choke cable; the 1.3i Mini was honed and refined for impressive reliability and simplicity of use.

And that’s precisely what this one provides: it starts happily on the first twist of the key, idles evenly, keeps itself cool in traffic, and the 4-speed auto is a willing and simple accompaniment for around-town motoring. The handling is, of course, go-kart sharp, and it’s oodles of fun to drive. Just as a Mini should be.
 

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: 

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ 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. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.