Highlights
- One of the rare final carburettor-fed Coopers from the short 1990–1991 production run
- Subject to an extensive refurbishment with documented bills
- Retains its factory-fitted Cooper interior, steering wheel, gearknob, and etched glass
- In current ownership for approximately seven years
- MOT valid until July 2027
The Appeal
The 1990–1991 carburettor-fed Mini Cooper occupies a special place in the model's history. Produced for barely a year before Rover switched to Single Point Injection to meet tightening emissions regulations, these final carburettor Coopers represent the last of the mechanically simple breed and are increasingly sought after by enthusiasts who prize their character and purity over later fuel-injected examples.
This 1991 example, finished in red with white bonnet stripes and a white roof, has been the subject of an extensive refurbishment carried out by Raltec Vehicle Repair Specialists. The work encompassed extensive body fabrication, section replacements across multiple panels to address rust and previous repairs, and a full repaint of nearly the entire exterior and structural shell. Weather seals, seat belts, seat runners, wheel arches, sill trims, and the walnut dashboard were all renewed. The vendor informs us that the car now presents and drives very well, with the 1,275cc engine reportedly starting first time every time and the gearbox changing smoothly with no synchro issues. Beyond a hand-built stainless steel exhaust system, the car is said to retain its original specification. This is a compelling opportunity to acquire one of these increasingly collectible late carburettor Coopers in fine fettle.
Key Information
- Mileage: 67,316 miles (indicated)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT valid until July 2027
- Technical specs: 1,275cc four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
- Paperwork: documented refurbishment bills and several keys provided
The Detail
- Body restoration included fabrication and section replacements across inner wing valances, footwells, doors, quarter panels, scuttle panel, and shock absorber carrier
- Nearly the entire exterior and structural shell prepared and repainted, including floor panels, inner and outer sills, bonnet, boot lid, and all wings
- Weather seals, seat belt sets, seat runners, wheel arches, and sill trims replaced during restoration
- Walnut dashboard restored, having previously been covered in paint and tape
- All lights rewired and John Cooper bonnet and side decals fitted
- Hand-built stainless steel exhaust system with twin-piped back boxes; the only mechanical deviation from original specification
- Alloy wheels in good condition with matching Yokohama tyres
- Interior described as very tidy, with some cracking noted in the wood lamination on the glovebox
- Plastic rail along the driver's side sill has a slight split, though not immediately apparent
- Radio has been replaced with a CD player
- MOT advisories note a minor oil leak (not excessive) and that the underside was undersealed at time of test
BEFORE YOU BUY
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