Built at Longbridge in 1990 as a British Racing Green limited edition, this Mini was bought by MiniWorld Magazine in 2003. It was legally reshelled into the first ever bodyshell built by British Motor Heritage of Witney, Oxfordshire. The shell was painted on the Longbridge production line in MG Solar Red. The legal reshell project was carried out by MiniWorld’s Technical Editor, Tim Mundy and was serialised over many issues and given the name ‘Sheldon’. The engine was rebuilt and an electric Webasto sunroof was installed. Once on the road the Mini took MiniWorld staff members to many British Mini events plus European International Mini Meetings in Ireland, Denmark, Italy and Spain.

By 2011 the Mini required a spruce up and this was again covered by MiniWorld. Repairs were made to the bodywork and new wings were fitted and a Cooper S boot lid was fitted as part of a retro Mk2 look. The 998cc engine was rebuilt by esteemed engine builder, Rob Walker, and the suspension was changed to P&L Minis’ coil-spring suspension and front and rear anti-roll bars were fitted, which was set up by Gerald Dale Motorsport.

The interior was replaced with seats from a later MPi Mini which Newton Commercial retrimmed to a custom order with Innocenti Cooper fabric and black vinyl. A centre binnacle was fitted to add to the retro styling. Many choice parts have been fitted to the Mini over the years, including some from Japan.

In 2021 Sheldon received a 1293cc A+ engine, which Rob Walker built. In great running order, with an MOT to July 2026, this characterful, unique Mini has fabulous retro looks and is fantastic fun to drive. Former MiniWorld editor and current owner, Karen Drury, says: “Over the years the MiniWorld team has had many adventures in this unique Mini but it’s now time to make way for other Mini projects. I will be sad to see Sheldon go as it is the best-handling Mini I have ever driven.”

Vendor says: 

 

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