A very original car presented in correct factory specification
Fewer than 60,000 miles from new
MoT with no advisories until September 2023
The Appeal
A car couldn’t survive in production for 41 years, from 1959 to 2000, if it wasn’t well-liked, but to call the Mini well-liked would be to understate terribly. Ask any owner for their opinion and you will receive a litany of answers praising its quick and nimble performance, charming looks, mechanical simplicity, economy, practicality, and immense scope for personalization. All will agree that it exudes character like no other car, and they’ll probably be smiling ecstatically while they’re telling you all about it. Who can argue with such a bulwark of enthusiasm?
All Minis have those qualities in common, but some have that little bit extra. If it’s the quick and nimble performance you covet most of all, a Cooper is what you need. The original John Cooper-tuned Minis of the 1960s were legendary for their competition prowess, their small size, quick acceleration and agile handling helping them scoop multiple victories in rallying and saloon-car racing. In public life, their good looks and charm made them a fashion symbol of the Swinging Sixties, with owners including Steve McQueen, James Garner, Twiggy and all four Beatles.
Though Cooper production ended in 1971, it was revived in 1990, still with the 1275 cc A-Series engine, but gaining fuel injection for improved efficiency. The improved performance went hand in hand with 1960s-inspired design touches and an upmarket, stylized leather interior. Evoking the Monte Carlo Rally, Carnaby Street and The Italian Job, the new Cooper was just right for the wave of ‘Cool Britannia’ nostalgia which swept Britain in the ’90s.
Sadly, Mini production ended in 2000, with the Cooper still enormously popular. This example is one of the last made, and is presented almost exactly as it left the factory, having been looked after over 23 years by just a handful of careful owners. Ready to drive and ideal for weekend pleasure trips or regular use as an urban runabout, this is a fine example of one of the most timeless and enduring modern classics.5FetV8oxznjMPf2g82AqgqzNIxKHoSbJbZge2AVJ.jpg1.01 MB
The History and Paperwork
Originally registered on 31st October 2000 and sold new through Evans Halshaw Rover of Reading
Acquired by the vendor in 2011, they are the fifth registered keeper but, we believe, only the third private owner
The car has been used regularly but sympathetically over the course of its life, with several recent London to Brighton Mini Runs to its name
Offered for sale with the current logbook, MoT certificates back to 2004, various invoices for servicing and other work, the original Owner’s Handbook, Service Portfolio and In-Car Entertainment book, and a copy of the Haynes Service and Repair Manual for the 1969-2001 Mini
Upmarket specification with leather upholstery, engine-turned dash and more
The Mini has a reputation for frugality, but that’s not true of the Cooper by any means. Its appeal lies not only in its sporty qualities, but also in its upmarket fit and finish. This Cooper Sport boasts a very well-stocked dash, with a heater, radio, clock and tachometer in addition to a full complement of driver information gauges (fuel, temperature, oil pressure and ammeter). On this car, the radio-CD player is the only non-original item, having replaced a radio-cassette player.
It’s not just the little things that set the Cooper Sport apart, though. The whole interior has been designed with style in mind. Rover rejected the option of creating a pastiche of a 1960s Cooper interior, and instead gave the new Cooper’s interior an identity very much of its own.
The perlée effect of engine turning on the dash has not been a common decorative feature since the 1940s, but we admire Rover’s decision to revive it because it looks so handsome in this Mini. The lightweight drilled alloy door fittings are reminiscent of historic racing cars and, all in all, the blend of stylistic influences from different eras works to really good effect.
The seats are trimmed in soft two-tone leather and are just beginning to acquire a subtle patina in keeping with their age. The steering wheel has its own patina, too, and while there may be one or two small marks on the dash or on the door pockets, it really is very hard to find anything to fault with the interior. The headlining and carpets are clean, and the whole package is in very good condition.
The boot is clean and well-presented, too, and the floor lifts to reveal not only a spare wheel in good order but also a Mini-branded first-aid kit and jack to accompany the Mini-branded fire extinguisher housed under the front seat.umRuN07cwTZkz88JaA544g49XN0SIaizcU7eNYCL.jpg645.29 KB
The Exterior
Correct colour scheme of Solar Red and Platinum Silver
Roof repainted 2016
Various new bodywork components fitted in present ownership
Externally, this Mini again presents as a highly original car, appearing in its correct colour scheme of Solar Red with a Platinum Silver roof and stripes. Most of the paintwork is original, although the roof was resprayed in 2016. It is looking extremely good for its age, with very little to fault. There are just a few minor paint blemishes, with some clouding on the scuttle, some delamination on the boot handle, and a few small clusters of bubbles in places. The coach lines also exhibit some minor cosmetic wear, but it should be apparent from the photographs just what a good car this is, still appearing in highly presentable and eminently showable condition.
The unmistakeable Minilite-style alloys are in very good order. There is some very light scuffing at the rims, and maybe one or two other slight marks elsewhere, but these are not visible except under very close inspection. All the chrome presents extremely well, with some very light patination beginning to appear in one or two areas, and all the glass is in excellent condition, too. New parts fitted during the present ownership include a rear bumper, front bumper and rear window.
The only deviation from the original specification is the chrome-plated wing mirrors, which suit the car very well, although anyone preferring to replace the original mirrors is easily able to do so, as they are included in the sale.aTgNpkB4sBb9ciVw67vyuHKvMHef2aRlAUFmjrKG.jpg839.32 KB
The Mechanics
One of the last A-series engines ever made
Invoices showing hundreds of pounds of servicing and maintenance work
MoT until September 2023
Some cars can be a little out of tune by the time they reach 23 years old, but this Mini is still very much on song. It drives supremely well, with a quiet engine, comfortable ride and responsive handling. There is no car on sale today which can offer quite the same experience.
Its excellent mechanical condition can be attributed to a number of factors, one being that it is still a reasonably low-mileage car, having covered fewer than 60,000 miles from new. Perhaps more important, though, is the fact it has always been looked after. There are many invoices from the previous and present ownerships which show that the Mini has not been neglected when it comes to servicing and maintenance.
We would note that it has not received any major work in its present ownership, with perhaps the most significant job being the fitment of new front brake pads. A new thermostat and water pump were fitted in 2012 and the suspension has also received some light work. The vendor advises that a new battery was installed quite recently.
We cannot see any grounds for doubts about this car, but the certificate from the last MoT test ought to dispel any which might exist. The Mini passed its MoT in September 2022, 700 miles ago, with no advisories, so we can see no reason why you shouldn’t jump in it and start having fun straight away.
The end-of-the-line Coopers represent the very pinnacle of Mini development, certainly in terms of performance and sophistication, and possibly also in terms of style. This excellent example is both well-preserved and very original, and presents as almost totally correct to factory specification. With several London to Brightons under its belt, it’s proven its worth as car that’s reliable and enjoyable to drive on many occasions, so all it needs now is a new owner who’s prepared to have some fun with it.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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