Highlights

One of only 1,800 Paul Smith Special Edition cars
Japanese market car with only 56,300 miles
Recent service, suspension work and rear brake cylinder
Stage 1 Minisport tuning kit with LCB
Large bore free flow exhaust system
MOT valid until March 2027

The Appeal

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Mini, Rover teamed up with famed British designer Paul Smith to produce a one-off custom-painted car featuring 86 stripes and 26 colours. It proved such a hit that a production version was created. It featured some choice touches like a 24ct golf Paul Smith bonnet badge, full leather cabin, Citrus Green accents and bespoke colours.

This early car, painted in Paul Smith Blue, is one of the 1,500 cars sold in Japan. It returned to the UK in 2001 and has still only covered 56,300 miles. It retains its array of Paul Smith special features and is in generally good order with a few points to note in photos.

The vendor acquired the car some years ago and has used it regularly. It is now fitted with a Stage 1 Minisport tuning kit, with LCB, and a larger free flow exhaust system. We’re told that it was last serviced in August 2025. Recent work includes top and bottom ball joints and a rear brake cylinder. The MOT runs to March 2027.

The vendor says:

“Since buying this car in 2014 it has never been off the road. It is our second car and is used 2 or 3 times every week and all year round, except when there is salt on the roads. I typically do 1,250 to 1,500 miles per year. It has been 100% reliable, it is great fun to drive. and receives many compliments. Important to note that as a Japanese import the odometer reads in kilometres whilst the speedometer is in miles per hour.The odometer reads 90,577 kms which corresponds to approx just 56,600 miles.”

Key Information

Mileage: 90,619 km (approximately 56,300 miles) not verified
Country of registration: originally Japan, UK registered since 2001
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until March 2027 with advisories to note
Technical specs: 1,275cc MPI 4cyl petrol, four-speed manual
Paperwork: 2 keys plus door keys, V5C, service book

The Detail

Oil and filter service carried out in August 2025
New top and bottom suspension ball joints recently fitted
New rear brake cylinder recently fitted
Stage 1 Tuning kit from Minisport, including LCB and a larger free-flow exhaust system
Right-hand drive with factory air conditioning, reported to be fully functional
The vendor states the original black leather upholstery is in very good condition
Paul Smith Blue paintwork in good general order with some marks and stone chips
Original 12'' minilite wheels with only slightly worn Yokohama A539 tyres
Bubbling at the top of the o/s A panel and in two spots just below the windscreen
The vendor reports no dents or scrapes to the bodywork
Current MOT with advisories to note for rear subframe
Temperature gauge reads hotter than expected; the vendor believes this is a sender issue and states the engine never overheats
Odometer reads in kilometres; speedometer reads in miles per hour we are told
Typically covers 1,250 to 1,500 miles per year, used as a second car
The vendor describes the car as fully reliable and great fun to drive
Fitted with Pioneer Bluetooth stereo
Citrus Green accents to glove box, engine bay and boot areas

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.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ 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.