1995 Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i

Pre-bids

Highlights

  • Comprehensively rebuilt onto a new body shell in 2015, including engine and gearbox
  • Certified John Cooper conversion fitted by Mini Sport in 2018
  • Resprayed by REO Motors in 2020, with new trim and chrome fittings
  • JCW St.3 head modified with extra studs, new valve guides, recut seats and refaced valves
  • Good history file including original handbook, conversion certificate and specialist invoices
  • Advisory-free MOT to June 2027

The Appeal

The Rover-badged fuel-injected Mini Cooper 1.3i was the final evolution of the original Mini, Issigonis's brilliant design that debuted way back in 1959. This example has been taken considerably further, with a ground-up rebuild, a certified John Cooper conversion and a respray combining to produce a well-sorted and thoroughly refreshed car.
In 2015, the car was rebuilt onto a new body shell, with the engine stripped and reassembled with new bearings, piston rings, camshaft and timing chain, and the gearbox overhauled with new internals. The interior was modified at the same time with a safety cage, BMW E36 front seats and full harness belts. Three years later, Mini Sport fitted a certified John Cooper conversion, and their assessment at the time stated that the car was in excellent condition across all areas. In late 2020, REO Motors carried out a comprehensive bare-metal respray of all panels, treated and sealed the underbody, and fitted new bumpers, chrome trims, seals and door furniture. Most recently, in mid-2025, the car received further mechanical attention at REO Motors, including new ball joints, CV joint gaiters, steering adjustments, uprated Powerflex bushes and new ignition components.
Buyers should note that the odometer was reset when a new speedometer was fitted during the 2015 rebuild. The current reading of approximately 18,389 miles represents distance covered since then; total mileage from new is estimated at roughly 67,500 miles or more. There is also a gap in the service records between October 2003 and the 2015 rebuild. The car is accompanied by the original owner's handbook, a replacement service book, the John Cooper conversion certificate, a Mini Sport valuation letter and invoices from specialist suppliers.
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Key Information

  • Mileage: approximately 18,389 miles indicated; the odometer was reset when a new speedometer was fitted during a 2015 rebuild
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • MOT status: MOT to 3rd June 2027 (no advisories)
  • Technical specs: 1,275cc four-cylinder petrol with JCW St.3 head, single-point fuel injection and catalyst, four-speed manual gearbox
  • Paperwork: original owner's handbook, Rover security card wallet, replacement service book, John Cooper conversion certificate, Mini Sport valuation letter, and invoices from Mini Spares, Mini Sport and REO Motors

The Detail

  • New body shell fitted in 2015, modified for side radiator, seam-sealed, primed and painted
  • Engine rebuilt in 2015 with new bearings, piston rings, camshaft, lifters, timing chain, seals and gaskets
  • Cylinder head modified with extra studs, new valve guides, recut seats and refaced valves
  • Gearbox rebuilt in 2015 with new laygear, differential bushes, gears and planet wheel shaft
  • Front subframe refitted with solid mounts; rear subframe refurbished with new swinging arm bushes, pins and wheel cylinders
  • New steering rack, brake pipes and fuel fittings installed during the 2015 rebuild
  • Safety cage, BMW E36 front seats with four-point mountings and full harness belts fitted during the 2015 rebuild
  • Certified John Cooper conversion (certificate MCP1275SD2018.021) fitted by Mini Sport in December 2018
  • Mini Sport's assessment in December 2018 stated the car was in excellent mechanical, electrical, trim and bodywork condition
  • All body panels resprayed by REO Motors in late 2020, including door apertures and under the rear wheel arches
  • Underbody corrosion removed from front floors, front wheel arches and lower sill panels, then sealed and waxoiled in 2020
  • New bumpers, chrome trims, seals, mouldings, grille surround and door furniture fitted in 2020
  • Split, leaking fuel pipe from fuel filter replaced and battery isolator switch fitted in 2020
  • Serviced in March 2023 with new spark plugs, air and fuel filters, oil flush and change, rear brake shoes and battery
  • Top and bottom ball joints replaced on both sides in June 2025
  • Outer CV joint gaiters replaced on both sides in June 2025
  • Steering rack repositioned with a fabricated spacer block and tracking adjusted in June 2025
  • Spark plugs replaced with a different heat range and 8mm HT leads fitted in June 2025
  • Engine stabiliser bushes and subframe spacers replaced with Powerflex items in June 2025
  • Fuel pressure reset and valve clearances checked and adjusted in June 2025
  • Service history on file from 1996, with a gap in records between October 2003 and the 2015 rebuild
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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: 
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle. 

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Auction Details

  • Year1995
  • MakeRover
  • ModelMini
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer18,389 Miles
  • Engine size1275cc
  • TransmissionManual, 4 speed
  • Steering positionRight Hand Drive
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownMelton mowbray
  • CountyLeicestershire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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1995 Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i
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