Highlights

An unmolested example of an “MPi,” MKVII Mini from the penultimate production year
In fine overall condition with a special order colour leather interior
Offered in optimum Cooper Sport specification
A long period in careful and informed current ownership

The Appeal

The Classic Mini needs little introduction appearing in 1959 to take the world by storm, thanks to its diminutive form factor and engaging driving experience. It was one of the first mass produced cars to successfully transcend social boundaries being embraced equally enthusiastically by celebrities, royalty and everyday folk. The Mini far outlived its originally planned lifecycle even seeing out the car designed to replace it, the Metro. By 1996 the Mini was having its last hoorah in Mark VII form.

The car now boasted a Multipoint fuel injected version of the venerable 1,275cc A-series engine. Safety was improved with an airbag, seatbelt pretensioners and impact beams being added. A higher final drive improved A-road refinement and fuel economy. The Cooper model was offered with a Sports pack which added a chunky body-kit and 13-inch Minilite type wheels. The last Mini Classic built was a red and silver Cooper Sport which left Longbridge on 4th October 2000.

This fine example is indeed a Cooper Sport model with that eye-catching body kit and the larger wheels. It has been diligently stored since 2010 which is borne out by its fine overall presentation. This example also boasts a non-standard leather upholstery shade from the optional “Classic Leather” range.

The History and Paperwork

This Mini was initially pre-registered by dealers Henleys of Northampton
They covered around 300 miles before the first private owner acquired it in July 1999
This Wellingborough based owner retained the Mini until 2010
A little over 70,000 miles were covered during that period
In 2010 the owner part exchanged the Mini at a Northants based car dealership
The dealer principle was enamoured with the Mini so decided to keep it
The car was retained by his dealership and kept in storage
On the dealer principle’s semi-retirement in 2017 the Mini was registered in his name
This made him the third keeper with the 2017 date appearing on the V5
The now fully retired principle has kept the Mini in his private collection ever since
A mere 4,000 miles or so has been covered in current ownership
It is only due to the arrival of an older Mini derivative that this car is now for sale
The current V5 Registration document in the name of the owner is present
As is the current MOT in hard copy
The latter is valid until July 2025
Numerous earlier MOT hard copies are on hand
The original Mini book pack is present
This includes the service book which contains a couple of stamps from early in its life
The original order form is present as is the invoice for the special upholstery

The Condition

This example is finished in fetching Tahiti Blue with Wimbledon White stripes and roof
The condition of the paintwork is original and very good for its age
A good shine is exuded from all panels
There are a few minor stone chips in evidence here and there
The brightwork is in fine order with no issues noted
The chunky wheel arch extensions of the Sports specification are in great condition
These help protect the larger 13-inch Minilite style alloy wheels
The wheels are in good order and feature Cooper laurel centres
These match the Cooper motifs on the car’s flanks
The tyres are a mixed set in a 175/50 configuration
These all seem to retain ample remaining tread
The interior is in excellent condition throughout with no issues of note
The car was thought to have been built with a Stone leather interior (as per gear lever gaiter)
It is assumed that the first owner preferred the current Powder Blue shade
As such dealer Henleys sourced and fitted the upholstery from the Classic Leather range
An invoice detailing this work is included
The MPi Cooper’s interior is very much the pinnacle of the range
The dashboard fascia consists of a full width wood veneer panel
Into this are set a trio of premium instruments
These sit behind a chunky, leather rimmed Cooper steering wheel
A later head unit is fitted with accompanying remote control
Carpets are in black and in an excellent overall condition
The headlining is courtesy of a grey, felt-like fabric
The post-box style boot is equally pristine with a fitted carpet mat
Beneath this is the spare wheel and tyre
The original Mini jack and wheel brace are present

The Mechanics

This Mini has clearly been very well care for mechanically
The Multipoint injected 1,275cc A-series engine was originally rated at 63bhp at 5,700rpm
This was good for a 90mph plus top speed courtesy of the higher final drive ratio
A four speed gearbox transfers power to the front wheels
The MPi Minis of this vintage are noted for their front mounted radiator
This was dictated by the terms of the EC drive-by noise directive
The engine bay is very well presented and looks surprisingly full by Mini standards
All inner panels look straight and free from corrosion
The underside of the Mini also looks well presented for its age and mileage
There is some minor surface corrosion noted but all seemingly superficial
No known mechanical issues were noted or reported

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 fee. 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.

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