1990 Rover Mini Cooper RSP

Highlights

Subject to extensive restoration in 2019
Advisory-free MOT valid until 24th April 2025
Highly desirable ‘Rover Special Products’ edition
Superbly presented throughout

The Appeal

By 1989, when Rover inherited responsibility for Mini production, the much-loved little car was getting to be rather long in the tooth. Seemingly gone were the glory days of old - the giant slaying Cooper-tuned race cars that once dominated touring car, rallycross and our cinema screens performing daring stunts in ‘The Italian Job’.

It had been almost two decades since a Mini had worn a Cooper badge, but all that was to change - along with the Mini’s fortunes - when the Cooper RSP was launched in 1990. At long last, here was a new Mini for petrolheads, the first to be fitted with a 1,275 cc engine for ten years. The retro paint schemes paid homage to those original hot Minis of the 1960s while the interior was very plush.

The owner of this superb 1990 example dubbs it a “luxury go-kart” - a most apt description in our view. It underwent substantial restoration work in 2019 and therefore presents beautifully throughout and is said to drive remarkably well. An advisory-free MOT adds weight to the reassurance for the next owner who shall be acquiring a very fine Mini indeed.

The History and Paperwork

MOT until 24th April 2025
Eight former registered keepers
UK-supplied right-hand drive example
85,568 miles indicated
Extensive restoration work carried out in 2019
Numerous invoices for components purchased in 2019
MOT history from 2006 onwards present
Eight former registered keepers

The Condition

Metallic green paint scheme with contrasting white roof, mirrors, coach lines and bonnet stripes
Resprayed in 2019
Minilite alloy wheels with Cooper branding and period-look Pirelli tyres
Full-size alloy spare wheel included in the boot
Straight and solid-looking bodywork with no signs of accident damage
The doors, bonnet and boot lid reportedly fit well
The paint looks bright and glossy, with some “orange peel” in places but no notable imperfections
The vinyls, trim and badging present very well as do the chromed bumpers
Retains its origins etched window glass
Wipac spot lamps fitted and complete with covers
Highly specified interior
New front seats fitted
New carpet
New retro sound system from Blaupunkt with DAB and Bluetooth
No notable wear evident to the upholstery and controls
The headlining and carpets present very well with no sagging, discolouration or notable wear apparent
The veneered dashboard looks very smart, as do the green-faced dials

The Mechanics

1,275 cc A Series engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Popular RC40 Classic aftermarket exhaust fitted
No MOT advisories to report
Superbly presented engine compartment

The vendor comments: “It's so small, light, and responsive that it feels like you're actually driving a go-kart on the road”

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