Highlights

Only 66 miles from new - this is practically a brand-new car!
One of the last Cooper Sport 500 Minis produced
Authenticated via VIN and a CoA signed by John Cooper and Kevin Howe
Includes the complete L500 Gift Set and original book pack

The Appeal

The Millennium was bittersweet for the automotive world. On October 4th, 2000, the Mini said goodbye, ending a whopping 41 years of production and a frankly ridiculous 5,387,862 produced. This was marked by a batch of special editions - but none more prestigious than the Cooper Sport 500.

While to the layman, they might be difficult to distinguish from the traditional Cooper Sports, the 500 was produced exclusively with the Sports Pack, Platinum Silver roofs, and only four liveries: Solar Red, Tahiti Blue, British Racing Green, and Anthracite. Of course, a plaque in the glove box proudly stated, "This Mini is one of the last 500 built to the original Sir Alec Issigonis Design."

Produced with a certificate of Authenticity, signed by John Cooper and Kevin Howe, it was, at least, a nail in the coffin that was surrounded by pomp and circumstance - an ending chapter for one of the most iconic cars ever built. Needless to say, this is now one of the most desirable of any Mini Edition in history.

Now take a look at this handsome example - which has driven only 66 miles in the past 24 years. For all intents and purposes, this is a brand new car - painted in a very desirable Solar Red livery with the platinum roof still gleaming. The signed certificate proudly marks this beautiful car as number 37 of the very last 500 Minis built at Longbridge.

Regularly serviced, regardless of need, this car has a remarkable paperwork file considering its little-used nature. Put simply, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take on a Mini Cooper Sport L500 with a remarkably tiny mileage and a history of pure, cossetting care.

History and Paperwork

One of the very last Mini Coopers built
First registered on the 27th of November, 2000
One of only 110 built in Solar Red
The DVLA records 2 previous keepers
Supplied with desirable registration of X100UUX
Comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by John Cooper and Kevin Howe
Includes a glove box plaque and the famous ‘Gift Pack’ from the last 500 produced
Chassis number confirms authenticity
Comprehensive support file with Factory build card and ‘Mini Assembly Classic Final Audit’ documents
Full traceability from Dealer’s allocation request to Customer
Vehicle sales invoice from November 2000
Comes with the original book pack, complete L500 Gift Set, and both sets of keys
Kept in a Carcoon within a climate-controlled building
Only 66 miles covered from new
MOT expired in August 2024, but the car has never failed a test

The Condition

The vendor informs us that it is in brand new condition
This certainly holds up from what we can tell in the photographs
Original livery of Solar Red with Platinum Silver roof, bonnet stripes, and mirror
Identifiable by its four spotlamps, 13-inch alloy wheels and high level brake light
Waxoiled from new with a lovely clean, solid chassis

It's rare that a Mini isn't a headturner - but this one is on another level. Beautifully cared for, there's little sign of use on this squat little Solar Red classic. It's still gleaming, with a lovely clean underside and its Platinum Silver roof still shining. After only 66 miles and much of its life spent safely tucked away inside a Carcoon, it's little wonder we find it in such exceptional condition.

Luxurious full leather trim with silver dash
Highly original with no modifications
Exceptional condition throughout
Original cassette player

Much like the car surrounding it, the Mini's cabin is beautifully presented in its black and silver leather, practically unused and every bit as plush as it would have been leaving Longbridge. The original cassette player still sits proudly, all of the instruments are clean and legible, and the glovebox conceals that all-important identifying plaque.

The Mechanics

1275cc A-Series four-cylinder engine
Manual transmission with 4 gears
Engine bay in excellent order
Regularly inspected, moved, and engine run
We've no reports of any mechanical issues

Powered by the final revolution of the A-Series, the Mini Cooper Sports 500 is every bit as perky and fun as you'd hope, and this one is practically still waiting to be run in. The engine bay is beautifully kept, and the car has been regularly inspected, regardless of need. As a result, you've got a brand new Mini experience ready and waiting for you.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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