Produced to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Mini production, then-owners Rover unveiled the Mini Cooper 35th Anniversary Edition in 1996, with a total production run of just 1,701 cars, of which only 200 were destined for the UK, with the vast majority of the remainder built being exported to Japan.

Finished in Almond Green with a Diamond White roof and Porcelain Green interior (though a handful of red cars were produced for Japan) the 35th Anniversary Edition also boasted numerous model-specific upgrades such as the 12” Minilite Magnesium wheels, and Japanese market cars benefitted from factory-fitted air-conditioning.

Destined for faraway lands as part of the Japanese market production of the 35th Anniversary  model run (henceforth referred to as the 35A cars) this example in the now-classic Almond Green/Diamond White combination was meticulously maintained by its one and only registered Japanese owners, who were in possession of the vehicle from new until 2016, when it was imported into and registered in the UK. 

A number of tasteful period modifications have been fitted to the car, heightening the on-road enjoyment yet retaining the classic Mini driving feel and characteristics which endear these plucky little hatchbacks to such a wide enthusiast audience. 

Specifically, this 35A Mini boasts Smiths dash-top gauges, a black front grille, upgraded HKS centre-exit exhaust, K&N filter, rear anti-roll bar, and upgraded suspension components. The car also retains its genuine and ultra-rare magnesium 12” Minilite wheels, which are wrapped in Dunlop Le Mans tyres.

Since coming to the UK, this 35A has been featured in the much-loved Classic and Sports Car Magazine, as part of this “Mini Scrapbook: 60 Years of a British icon” feature, and has been “obsessively” maintained whilst in the current ownership by a well-known classic Mini specialist in London.

Having been enjoyed for a number of years by our vendor, the only reason this Mini is now looking for a new home is due to the imminent downsizing of his car collection, meaning one lucky enthusiast has the opportunity to obtain a well-sorted and proven special edition Rover Mini Cooper.

Included with the sale of the vehicle is an extensive service history comprised of specialist service history and import documentation.

The current MoT exam - dated 09 July 2021 - shows a pass with no advisory items.

On the inside, the Porcelain Green leather interior presents in outstanding condition throughout, having clearly been cosseted throughout its lifetime both in Japan and whilst in England. 

Looking closer, there is barely any signs of wear to the leather itself, barring the odd usage scuff and light crease, with no heavy wear noted to the outer bolsters or the seats, and no sign of any rips or tears that we can see.

Similarly, the wooden trims look to be in great shape, with no major signs of lacquer peel, deep scratches or damage visible. 

The headliner is taut throughout with no sagging or staining, and the carpets are also in reportedly fantastic condition throughout. 

All of the systems, switches and electrical systems are in full working order, with no known faults and no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard.

As with the cabin of this diminutive automotive icon, the exterior of this 35th Anni Mini Cooper is in excellent condition, having lived a pampered life throughout its existence. 

The Almond Green paintwork is in wonderful shape, with no heavy wear, major marks, large chips or scuffs to speak of, and the bodywork is in a similarly excellent state, with no misaligned panels, mismatched panels or major dents/dings, though the vendor does note there is a small indentation on the luggage hatch, which can only be seen up-close to the vehicle. 

The vendor is quick to point out that the bodywork is “entirely free of corrosion” and, as far as we can see, there are certainly no signs of any bubbling, flaking or disturbed paintwork, on the body panels or around the arches.

All four of the wheels are in good order, though there are a few areas of kerb rash noted, and we’d suggest refurbishing the wheels to bring them in-line with the excellent state of the rest of the car’s exterior.

Mechanically, the venerable 1275cc A-Series engine remains in rude health, and the vendor reports that the car drives “superbly” with no untoward behaviours, strange noises or known issues with the engine, drivetrain, transmission or braking systems. 

The upgraded HKS performance exhaust also sounds fantastic in our vendor’s opinion, and sounds like a “proper” Mini with a raspy exhaust note, especially on full throttle. 

Underneath, the car is reported to be rust-free and with no hidden concerns, whilst the most recent MoT exam also shows that there are no advisory items or areas of concern that the next owner need attend to.

Iconic, instantly recognisable and a true design classic of the automotive world, the classic Mini in all its iterations enjoys a worldwide enthusiast following, along with plentiful aftermarket and specials support, making them excellent first forays into classic car ownership, or a wonderful addition to any established car collection.

This particular 1996 Rover Mini Cooper 35th Anniversary Edition benefits from an additional level of exclusivity and appeal thanks to its limited-run nature, desirable factory specification and numerous tasteful aftermarket upgrades, making this a genuinely useable and engaging modern classic that’s ready to simply jump in and enjoy.


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