When you’re looking at classic Minis, there are certain phrases that you really appreciate hearing – and one of these is ‘it’s always kept in the garage’. That’s the case with this particular Cooper, and it goes a long way toward explaining the integrity and solidity you see before you.

Hailing from Surbiton, the home of the original Coopers (because, as fans will know, the Cooper Car Company was based on Hollyfield Road), this low-owners car has spent much of its life in that part of the world, having been originally supplied by G. Kingsbury & Son of Hampton, and the current owner has had it since way back in 2001.

It’s a supremely desirable spec, being a Sportspack model with the factory arch extensions and wider wheels along with the leather trim and wood dash – and, most enticingly of all, that glorious Volcano Orange paintwork which pops so extravagantly in the sun.

The car comes with a very reassuring history file, and the seller will be happy to talk you through everything that’s ever been done to the car. Indeed, he’s become rather emotionally attached to the Mini and is very keen for it to go to a good and loving home; he’s only selling because of ULEZ.
 
So this is a rare opportunity to pick up a solid and usable example of a fabulously specced Cooper with a thoroughly provable history – how can you resist…?

 

The Mini has been treated to some tastefully executed corrosion repairs over the years. It’s no secret that these cars are prone to succumbing to the dreaded tinworm, and to address this it’s had a new bonnet, front wings and A-panels as well as sills and assorted other fixes, and the work has been carried out beautifully.

The paint match is excellent, the panel gaps are straight, and the doors close on the first swing with a reassuring thunk. As far as possible, originality has been the watchword here, and aside from the repaired panels you’ll note that everything here is original, from the attractive 13” wheels to the period dealer sticker in the rear window.

The exterior of the car is well presented throughout, with a deep lustre to the super-sparkly metallic paint. The only notable blemishes are a minor ding to the rear bumper and another to the centre of the bootlid below the number plate; beyond that, it’s a joyful thing to behold with gleaming chrome, original Cooper decals and a quartet of spotlights on the nose.

It's all equally pleasing inside, with the black leather trim wearing its years exceptionally well. The front seats tilt correctly to allow access to the rear, the carpets are tidy, and the headlining is good (which is great news, as anyone who’s ever tried to replace a Mini headlining will tell you!). The wood trim is all in lovely condition, with just a little lacquer peel on one lower corner of the instrument binnacle. It’s worth noting that the clock is currently not working, and the SRS airbag light is illuminated.

Much like the exterior treatment, the interior specs of these late-nineties Coopers were extremely generous. In addition to the wood and leather, there’s tasteful alloy door furniture, matching gearknob and pedals, a pleasingly chunky two-tone steering wheel, and a Blaupunkt radio-cassette.
 

The venerable A-series engine represents a core part of the Mini’s characterful appeal, and the engine’s roots can be traced right back to the model’s inception in 1959. By the time this particular car was built in 1997, of course, the A-series had evolved a bit; the 1275cc unit is what enthusiasts refer to as an ‘MPi’ (for ‘multi-point injection’, replacing the previous single-point ‘SPi’), governed by an ECU to enable it to pass European emissions regs as well as returning an average 35mpg.

The irony of the Sportspack option was that the wider arches actually made the car slightly less aerodynamic and knocked a few mph off the top speed, but with a sprightly 63bhp it’ll still launch to 60mph in an energetic 12-seconds, and you’ll be grinning like a Cheshire cat the whole time.
 
This car has, the owner assures us, always been kept correctly serviced. We can see from the MOT history that it’s been kept tested and running for as far back as the system records, and it’s that regular attention which keeps these classics alive. The car drives like a dream too – the engine fires up instantly on the first twist of the key and settles into an even idle, keenly pulling through the revs on demand while the manual ’box shifts sweetly with no graunching.

The brakes feel appropriately strong, and it rides well on its suspension with that frisson of sports-car stiffness that makes these cars so engaging. Truly, a lovely thing to drive – and it’s not a car that wants to present you with a to-do list, this Cooper is ready and eager to be enjoyed right away.

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 deposit. 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]