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
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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
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BEFORE YOU BUY

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