The Rover Mini Cooper RSP (Rover Special Products) marked the relaunch of the Cooper name to the Mini after 21 years and all 1050 were sold out before they hit the showrooms. This convinced Rover to put a Cooper into series production again, though it quickly had to switch out the carburettor for fuel injection in order to meet emissions standards.
This, then, is a rare model with special significance amongst Mini enthusiasts and this example is rarer still for its very low mileage, few owners on the logbook and great condition. Seeing infrequent use in the dry only during the last 11 years, it’s been carefully stored and recently fully serviced.
It’s therefore ready to be used but is also eminently suitable as a collector’s piece; there’s unlikely to be many RSP’s remaining that are so well preserved. If you want to own a piece of Mini history then get bidding now.3.jpg8.57 MB
The History and Paperwork
Registered new 2 October 1990 as a dealer demonstrator
Quickly found its second owner who kept it to 1996
Was with the third owner until 2004, when it was sold to a friend
Stayed in the custodianship of the fourth owner for 18 years
During that time, was stored in a dehumidified garage and used sparingly
Covered just 1,000 miles in the last 11 years
Newly serviced by classic Mini specialist
Reconditioned alloy wheels and two new front tyres (recommended Yokohama A539)
Supplied with owner’s handbooks, HPI report, MOT certificates and sundry receipts
Part of the Cooper RSP specification was an uprated interior with Tudor Webasto sunroof, half leather interior, red leather-bound steering wheel and a three-clock binnacle with green dials.
It’s all present and correct here and, in line with the mileage, showing very little wear. The distinctive red carpet looks to be unmarked.
The boot shows some signs of use but houses a full sized spare under the floor covering. In all, it’s in time warp condition.KJ5A7294.jpg6.7 MB
The Exterior
Black under white roof
Cooper decals and bonnet stripes
Replacement aerial fitted since photo shoot
Two new front tyres
Well, wouldn’t you know it. Eleven years of dry only use and the minute it comes out for some photos, and the rain appears. That explains some of the droplets on the paintwork which appears very original, showing just a few stone chips and patina as commensurate with its age and mileage and a couple of minute spots of bubbling on the scuttle beneath the windscreen.
Otherwise the bodywork is all in lovely condition and the Cooper decals are all still intact. The window rubbers all look to be original as they are showing some fading and wear, and the windscreen trim front and rear is a little tarnished. The rest of the chrome, however, is in very good order and the lights are a clear demonstration of its time indoors as the brakes and indicators retain strong colour.
Overall, it presents very well indeed on its refurbished wheels and we think you’ll struggle to find another that is in such good, original condition.5.jpg11.88 MB
The Mechanics
Carbureted 1275cc engine
4 speed manual gearbox
Drives well
The engine bay displays the same level of originality as the rest of the car and , fresh from its recent service, the engine fires up without any problem. The seller reports that it drives well, changing gear smoothly with none of the synchro issues that can affect this gearbox. In short, it’s ready to go.KJ5A7335.jpeg2.57 MB
Summary
A fine original example of the rare and desirable special edition that reintroduced the Mini Cooper name. With low mileage and a pampered life, this is one not to be missed.
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