1997 Rover Mini Cooper

Highlights

Fully hand-stitched leather interior with new carpets and headliner
Recently reconditioned engine and gearbox
Stripped down, de-rusted, and resprayed in original electric blue with a white roof
New suspension and high-lows, plus a new rear subframe
In current ownership for 10 years

The Appeal

By now, everybody knows the essential facts about the Mini. The charming 1960s compact is as legendary now as it was sixty years ago. These nimble little cars primarily used a tiny wheelbase for practical reasons, but it also made them incredibly agile rally and track cars, not to mention incredibly charming.

This fine example of the car has been treated to plenty of modification and cossetting since it entered the vendor's ten-year ownership. We're not talking minor stuff, either - we've got a hand-stitched interior, matched up to its handsome electric blue paintwork, a reconditioned engine, new rear subframe...much of which is catalogued in invoices and paperwork.

Supplied with plenty of paperwork and an MOT valid until August 2025, this fine little car is ready and waiting to charm and invigorate its new owner in equal measure.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1997
6 former registered keepers
MOT valid until August 2025
Never missed an MOT when not SORN
Owned by the current owner for 10 years
Stored in garages for 6 years and under a cover on a drive for 4 years
Comes with many invoices and MOT certificates
The vendor is selling to help fund their upcoming wedding
Currently indicates 82,206 miles - which may well be accurate
Has reportedly only done around 2,500 miles in current ownership

The Condition

Stripped down, de-rusted, and resprayed the original electric blue with a white roof in the current ownership
All exterior brightwork was replaced, as well as lights following the repaint
Bodywork has little corrosion here and there starting to appear
The vendor notes these can be dealt with by a body shop fairly easily
Some bubbling here and there in the paintwork
Car is sat atop somewhat chipped Black Ultralite alloys, shod in Nankang tyres
Underside in fair condition with some areas of corrosion
The car interior is fully hand-stitched leather
New carpets
New headliner
New hand-stitched leather gear knob, steering wheel, and brake handle
This has all been matched to the car's electric blue livery
Doesn't require any work if you don't want to spend money
Stainless steel furniture adds further to the car's sporty appearance

The Mechanics

1,275cc A-Series 4-cylinder engine
Manual transmission with 4 gears
They report that they've only done 2,500 miles in the car over the past 10 years, however, it's proven a very fun, eye-catching car to drive

In recent years the car has seen:

New suspension and high-lows
New rear subframe
The engine removed and reconditioned
Gearbox disassembled, cleaned and reassembled
New alternator

The vendor notes:

The car needs new cones, however this is a minor and inexpensive job
One minor oil leak, fairly standard for any Mini

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..

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