Highlights
- An impressive, recently-finished resto-mod, taking cues from the classic film
- Based upon a Rover Mini Sprite from 1995
- 1275cc A-series engine with 4-speed manual transmission
- Valid MOT until October 2024
The Appeal
Arguably one of the Mini’s greatest roles in British pop culture is the Michael Caine caper - for many, it was a beguiling introduction to the nimble little cars and a great display of their unique character. It’s little wonder that it became a key part of BMC’s marketing strategy - and a particularly popular inspiration for replicas and resto-mods across the world.
This example may well be one of the finest we’ve seen, with a 1275 Mini Spirite at its base and magnificent attention to detail to bring it up to the starring cars’ Austin Cooper S specification.
Having only been recently completed, the car is as polished as a pin, and will no doubt attract plenty of admiring glances out on the road.
The History and Paperwork
- The car’s origin is a 1995 Rover Mini Sprite
- First registered in May 1995
- The car has six former owners, according to the DVLA
- The restoration commenced in 2019
- The car’s pre-restoration mileage was around 46,898 miles
- Since completion in 2023, the car has covered only 7 miles
- Paperwork file includes:
- V5c document
- A stack of invoices
- MOT history printout
- A copy of Mini Facts & Trivia by Geoff Tibbals
- The Mini: Making of a Modern Icon by Brian Laban
The Condition
Highly impressive example, extensively modified including:
- Twin fuel tanks
- Period Minilite style wheels
- Dashboard conversion to period centre binnacle
- Front spotlights with distinctive bar (will be wired in upon auction end)
- Period rally-style rear reversing light
- Leather bonnet strips
- Painted in the movie car’s shade of red with black accent roof
- Paint and bodywork looks to be in a high standard throughout
- No clear sign of dents, dings or corrosion
- Brightwork is gleaming
- Sunroof is in good order and carries its fabric cover
- Shod in a set of Yokohama tyres
- Underside is exceptional with no significant signs of corrosion
- Inside, the car is an excellent tribute
- Carpets, dashboard and upholstery all in practically new condition
- Sparco steering wheel, newly fitted
- Brushed steel-knob gearstick
- Headlining is perfect with no signs of water ingress from the sunroof
- We note the period BMC Ecurie Safety Fast rosette in the window!
The Mechanics
- 1275cc A-Series Engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Freshly serviced and with nearly a year on the MOT
- Engine looks in good order with only light wear
- We’ve not been informed of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke
- The car is ready and waiting to be driven with no mechanical issues or advisories
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.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
