Highlights
- Considerably rare in today’s market, ideal for collectors
- Well maintained example, with plenty of recent history
- Tastefully modified, with cosmetic and performance enhancements
- Excellent mechanical health, with plenty of power to enjoy
The Appeal
Although iconic enough in their standard form, special edition Minis will forever capture the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts, for their rare, unique specifications. Sitting towards the very top of the most popular special editions; is the Checkmate model, known for its iconic two-tone paintwork and special options.
In order to amplify the Mini’s legendary performance prowess, the current keeper has opted to tastefully modify this Checkmate, fitting a welcome array of high-quality parts in the process. This little Mini now features a 1293cc engine, performance camshaft, Sportex exhaust system, Ultralite alloy wheels, meaty Advan performance tyres and plenty more.
The end result is a truly enjoyable driving experience, retaining plenty of original Mini charm, with buckets more character throughout the rev range, and within the interior. Now offered with fantastic mechanical health, and in tidy order for its age, this Mini Checkmate is ready to impress its next lucky owner.
The end result is a truly enjoyable driving experience, retaining plenty of original Mini charm, with buckets more character throughout the rev range, and within the interior. Now offered with fantastic mechanical health, and in tidy order for its age, this Mini Checkmate is ready to impress its next lucky owner.
The History and Paperwork
- 8 former keepers
- Well maintained and cherished by the current keeper
- Tastefully modified with high-quality parts
- Comes ready with a fresh MOT certificate
- Includes plenty of history and documentation, such as:
- Invoices detailing previous maintenance and upgrades
- Previous MOT certificates
- The original Rover handbooks
- The current V5C document
- More than ready to be enjoyed
The Interior
- Showcases an excellent combination of original, and aftermarket components
- Features classic-style bucket seats, and the original rear bench
- Equipped with a rear roll cage, a 3-spoke Moto Lita steering wheel, and stainless steel interior sill plates
- Recently fitted with fresh premium carpeting, with new dyno mat sound deadening
- Features a central speedometer dashboard, with a yet to be plumbed in oil gauge
- Presented in excellent condition, with only light signs of wear and minor defects to note with the original components, such as the door cards, and rear seats
The Exterior
- Tastefully modified, with wider arches for a sportier stance
- Displays iconic checkmate paintwork, with a de-badged exterior
- Equipped with a smart set of 10” Ultralite alloy wheels, which present themselves in excellent condition, with Advan 032R performance tyres left to enjoy
- Fitted with new chrome wing mirrors in 2019
- The current keeper informs us that light underside ageing is present, yet the sills and subframe are still in good order. The vehicle was also previously fitted with a new driver’s side floor pan, ensuring the floor is now as solid as required
- Presented in great condition today, although minor signs of age are beginning to show upon the paintwork. These include light orange peel, slight bubbling and the expected use-related blemishes. That said, the vehicle stands as a perfectly usable example of the iconic checkmate, with a more performance-oriented focus
The Mechanics
- 1275cc inline-four, now bored to 1293cc
- Upgraded and modified to an impressive standard, featuring the likes of;
- SW5 Swiftune camshaft
- MED duplex timing gear and chain
- High lift Minisport rockers
- MED race filter, with trumpets
- ARP head studs
- Aloy twin core radiator, with silicone coolant hoses
- Electronic distributor, and Strong spark coil
- Sportex straight-through exhaust system
- Braided clutch, and brake lines
- Poly-bush engine mounts
- Recently tuned up with dyno testing at BD Engineering
- Very well maintained by the current keeper, having received the following noteworthy maintenance in recent years:
- New clutch, starter motor, and spark plugs in 2018
- New thermostat housing gasket in 2019
- New oil pump, water pump, timing gear and timing chain in 2020
- Presented in fantastic working order, with plenty of power to enjoy
Summary
The Mini Checkmate now stands as a rather rare vehicle on today’s roads, with a great deal of similar examples having either fallen to age or been locked away in hidden collections. Presented today, however, is a fantastic chance to enjoy the special edition Mini, in a more performance-oriented form.
If you’re on the search for your next collection piece, an exciting weekend toy or even a rare track weapon, this well-cared-for Checkmate is the one for you.
If you’re on the search for your next collection piece, an exciting weekend toy or even a rare track weapon, this well-cared-for Checkmate is the one for you.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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