Highlights

The final racing edition of the Mini Cooper
Exceptionally low mileage
Recent exterior restoration including a complete respray to factory spec

The Appeal

When the final line of Minis were released in 1999, they were subject to an almost fanatical fanfare. This was an icon - a fashion icon, a motorsport hero, and one of the country’s most iconic pieces of engineering. It was one of the most influential cars ever released, and Rover weren’t going to let it go out without a bang. The 38 year old design was fitted with a Multi-Point Injection system, an uprated alternator and an electronic EMS.

There were two variants, including this: the Mini 1.3i Cooper. This was an impressive racing edition, stacked out to commemorate the nippy history of Britain’s favourite car. Racing stripes, a sports pack and rally lights made it an instant winner. This car’s attractive Morello Purple & Old English White livery, combined with its excellent condition make for a very impressive collectable.

The History and Paperwork

First registered by Dutton Forshaw in 1999
Imported to Ireland in 2002
Maintained by the same garage since 2004
Impressive level of service history
Travelled less than 1,500 miles since 2014
Sold to the maintaining garage in 2020
Given full cosmetic restoration between 2020 and 2022
Kept in original factory specification
All records, handbooks and service books included

The Interior

Decked out in one of the most acclaimed mini interiors
Walnut dashboard and trim with black and beige Monaco upholstery set an upmarket feel
Cream-trimmed leather steering wheel with Mini Cooper badge
Original radio and cassette player
Minor wear to leather stitched gearstick grip
Clean, well-kept carpets with no excessive wear
Dust in some dashboard seams
Clean boot with no visible signs of corrosion
Original floors in good, solid condition
No other excessive wear throughout vehicle - a superb presentation throughout

The Exterior

A fresh, thorough factory spec repaint makes for a superb external appearance
Morello Purple and Old English White in iconic racing stripe livery
No signs of major paint loss, chips or corrosion
Hella spotlights installed
12” Minilite alloy wheels with badge detailing
New door skins installed
Original bumpers and floors
Top quality, professional finish that feels factory-fresh
Owner informs us that this car hasn’t been driven on salted roads since 2002
We’re informed that the underside of the vehicle shows no major signs of corrosion

The Mechanics

Original factory spec throughout
1.3i engine shows very minor signs of use
Clean, well-kept engine bay with no evidence of leaks
We’re informed that the car drives very well with no mechanical faults to report

Summary

Overall, this is a simply superb Mini Cooper 1.3 - a heavily in demand version of the Mini Cooper, with its optimal spec and superb interior all causing a stir the moment it was released. It’s a true best-in-class, with beautifully redone paint and minimal corrosion that British roads often generate in these quirky little cars.

A nippy engine, an iconic shape, and beautiful paintwork. It’s an unmissable opportunity to add an iconic car to your garage.