Highlights
- Rare special edition Mini, introduced alongside the failed film
- Used in the official Rover promotional shoots
- Only 33,064 miles from new
- Only two owners from new
- Highly original throughout
- Valid MOT until September 2023
The Appeal
Introduced in 1998 alongside what was hotly tipped to be the motion picture event of the year, the 1998 Avengers Edition of the Mini Cooper was doomed to obscurity, while the movie was condemned to infamy. It’s a shame too - driven by none other than Shaun Ryder as Donovan in the motion picture, the sharp little-checkerboard Mini was given plenty of time to shine - keeping up admirably with a sky-blue Jaguar E-type while controlling a fleet of mechanical wasps. We’ve not lost you, have we?
While the film ended up being a massive flop, it makes this limited edition particularly special. With its unusual black-and-white checkerboard livery, extensive interior wood trim and lots of Anglocentric features, intended to drive the ‘Cool Britannia’ audience wild. Unsuccessfully.
First purchased in 2001, this nifty little Mini was kept secure and well-maintained for its entire life - and is now ready and waiting to return to the road. With its unusual colour scheme, handsome interior and the full Cooper treatment, we’ve no doubt it’ll finally get a chance to be a star with its new owner.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1998
- The Avengers Limited Edition is super-rare and poorly recorded
- As a result, nobody is too sure how many Avengers editions were built
- This example was used in some of the Rover promotional material before the film’s release
- This can be seen in the ‘lobby card’ and the vehicle’s registration history
- Following its ownership under The Rover Group, it ended up at Marvin’s of Winchester
- It was then sold to the previous owner - the brother of the current owner - in 2001
- Since then, the car has only done 33,064 miles
- Valid MOT until September 2023
- The car has been kept SORN since but has been regularly attended to
- Recently fitted with a new battery
- The car’s history file includes:
- A copy of the ‘lobby card’ for the limited edition - displaying this exact vehicle
- V5c document showing previous Rover Group ownership
- Original promo materials
- Original sales invoice from the car’s purchase
- An impressive selection of MOT certificates
- Multiple service stamps
The Interior
- Impressive leather interior with extensive walnut trim
- Walnut-effect door handles and window winders
- Seats and door cards in excellent condition with only light creasing
- No visible rips or tears throughout
- Some light wear to the leather-wrapped gearstick
- The dashboard is clean and in excellent order, with all instruments in good condition
- We’ve no reports of any faults to the interior spec
- Kenwood KDC-W707 music player installed in the dash, in good working order
- Carpets and headlining in very good condition with no faults we can spot
- Protected by Mini-Cooper branded mats
- Boot is clean and well-presented with no faults we can spot
The Exterior
- Unusual black-and-white chessboard design, exclusive to this rare edition
- Highly original throughout
- We’re unable to spot any dents or dings in the bodywork
- Panel fit seems good throughout
- We can spot some corrosion on the driver’s door seam, where it meets the sill
- Paintwork is excellent with no clear chips or scratches we can spot
- White contrasting features in similarly fine fettle
- Chromework all presents nicely with only gentle patina throughout
- Extra spotlights fitted at some point in the car’s life
- All glasswork and lenses in excellent order throughout
- Original Mini branding is all in good condition
- The car is sitting on its original set of wheels, which carry only light wear
- Underneath, the car looks in excellent fettle for its age, with only light wear
The Mechanics
- Fitted with the ever-perky, ever-trusty 1275cc A-Series engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Ramair foam filter kit has been fitted
- Engine looks in excellent order throughout
- The latest MOT returned with no mechanical advisories
- We’ve not been informed of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke
- The car is reportedly starting first time with no fuss
- New battery installed in July 2023
Summary
Beautifully appointed, beautifully kept - and incredibly rare. This limited edition is barely ever spotted out in the wild, and the added prestige of being used in Rover’s official marketing will no doubt raise eyebrows.
While the movie it was themed from may have been a failure, there’s no doubt that this car ticks all of the boxes to become a bonafide celebrity in enthusiast circles - and will become the star of any collector’s garage.
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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.
