HIGHLIGHTS
- Half-leather trim
- Factory Pepper Pack and rare X-Lite alloys
- Ideal retro car for young enthusiast
- No signs of rust nor any corrosion advisories
THE APPEAL
The MINI hatchback (codename R50) was given an impossible task – that of replacing a global icon. Introduced in 2001, the BMW-owned but Rover Group-developed car was controversial in the eyes of purists, but a massive hit in showrooms with year-long waiting lists at launch.
Offered initially as three models – the 90bhp ONE, 115bhp Cooper and supercharged 170bhp Cooper S, whichever MINI you went for, you got a car that was an absolute blast from behind the wheel. Each one was highly customisable, too – ONE, Cooper and Cooper S were the drivetrains, not the specifications, and on top of the basic spec you could choose from Salt, Pepper or Chilli trim packs, each bringing a host of extras, plus a suite of accessory options on top.
Whoever chose this one specced it well – a 90bhp ONE, so the cheapest MINI to run and insure, it’s far from basic, with smart Pure Silver Metallic paint, part-leather trim, rare 16-inch X-Lite alloys, air con, tyre pressure monitors and a CD player. It was acquired by the vendor a few weeks ago as he took it in part-payment for an older vehicle and he has used it for running around in locally, but he needs a larger vehicle for work purposes.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK V5C
- MOT December 2023
- Built April 2003 and registered the following month
- Owner’s manual and wallet
- All original booklets
THE INTERIOR
- Factory option part-leather sports leather seats
- Clean seats and carpets
- Very minor bolster wear
- Good, complete door cards
- Chrome-effect gearknob
- Twin cup holders
- Original MINI CD stereo – volume control knob is damaged but still works fine
- Very clean and tidy overall
- Two areas of the headlining have dropped slightly at the edge
- One speaker grille is cracked – does not affect sound quality
THE EXTERIOR
- Pure Silver Metallic
- Very clean and tidy overall condition with no evidence of any rust to the bodywork
- Gloss black door mirrors
- Excellent black plastic lower body trim with minimal fading
- Dealer option 16-inch X-Lite alloys wheels in good order with light kerb marks
- Two small dents – one on nearside rear quarter and another shallow dent on offside front wing, neither especially significant (see photos)
- Appears sound underneath with no corrosion advisories ever issued at MOT
- Factory option front fog lamps
- Tiny bubbles on bonnet edge where paint has been damaged (see photos)
- Some very minor marks to body all-round but nothing substantial
- Very straight panel gaps and shut lines
THE MECHANICS
- 1.6-litre engine
- Recent new front ball joints (both sides)
- Nearly new exhaust system
- Starts and runs well with no excessive smoke, holds a steady temperature and coolant level
- Fantastic handling and lively performance
- Smooth gear changes and strong brakes
- The vendor reports a minor rattling from the rear of the car over bumps, which he believes to be from an exhaust mount
SUMMARY
Back when it was launched, the BMW ‘R50’ MINI won almost every award going – here was a cheeky British car that was true to the spirit of the original, but which added in new levels of build quality, engineering and luxury. Far from the cheap and basic runabout the Mini once was, the 2001 reimagination of the car was a premium choice; a car that was as much about fun, fashion and image as it was about functional transportation.
Today, the R50 MINI is rapidly becoming a classic in its own right – a popular retro choice among 20-somethings who want a car that has a classic feel, but is entirely usable every day. This one is perfect for that job – a straight, honest and genuine car in seemingly good order, which would be equally as at home as a good, solid non-sunroof shell, ideal for conversion to a track or race car.
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.
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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