Highlights
- From the last days of Classic Mini production
- Long MoT
- Fuel injected engine
- Original interior and dash
The Appeal
Here we see the last hurrah of this great British name, with classic Mini production ceasing on 4th October 2000. The Mini Cooper Sport seen here was first registered on 29th September 2000, so it really is one of the last.
This Mini is fitted with the largest version of the long-lived A-series engine, the 1275cc unit. It features modern niceties alien to the original ‘50s Mini such as fuel injection and a driver’s airbag.
And with this Cooper Sport reportedly running and driving exactly as it should, it represents a great opportunity to enjoy the best of classic British motoring.
The History and Paperwork
- One of the last classic Minis produced
- First registered in September 2000
- MoT to July 2023
- Major renovation, including new wings, sills and scuttle panel
The Interior
- Two tone upholstery
- Heated rear screen
A world apart from the original Mini’s spartan interior, this car has very supportive two-tone seats with headrests and even a heated rear windscreen.
The centre of the dashboard is adorned with Smiths magnolia clock, voltmeter and oil temperature gauge.
The headlining looks to be clean and free from rips, as are the door cards. The drilled aluminium handles lend a sporting feel to this Mini. Along with the ‘Cooper’ badge on the dashboard, this reminds us of how successful these cars can be in competition.
The Exterior
- Wide wheel arches and chequered roof
- Four spotlights
- Welding completed
Finished in a menacing shade of black, with the obligatory chequered roof and wide wheel arches, this Mini certainly looks the part. The vendor believes that the car received a major renovation prior to their ownership, which is said to have included new wings, sills and scuttle panel.
There are now a couple of small areas of bubbling to the paint, as shown in the accompanying photographs, including below the boot handle and in the corner of the rear right window frame, but these should be simple to put right.
The alloy wheels appear to be lovely and clean, with plenty of tread left on the tyres. Underneath, the car is said to be in good condition. The vendor states that the rear subframe has been welded in the past, but there is no other damage to the underside.
The Mechanics
- 1275 fuel-injected engine
- Drives exactly as it should
- No reported noises or leaks
The 1275 A-series engine fitted to this Cooper Sport is the largest standard engine that could be supplied with a standard Mini. And being a late model car, it benefits from being fuel injected rather than having a carburettor.
Parts availability for Minis is second to none, so you can drive it with confidence, knowing that any mechanical breakdown can be easily fixed.
The vendor states that this car accelerates, changes gear and stops exactly as it should do, and that it runs without leaks or smoke.
The experience of driving a Mini is uniquely fun. You won’t be able to stop grinning as you give it the beans in this plucky little underdog.
Summary
Everyone has a story about a Mini. They’re the nation’s best friend and will certainly remain popular for a long time yet. Their cheeky styling, simplicity and longevity make them great classics for anyone to enjoy.
Being a very late example, this car has a few modern conveniences which we like. But it retains that timeless charm, true to the original car which was first built nearly fifty years previously.
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