Description
- 1991 Rover Mini Cooper
- 1275cc carburettor model, known as Mainstream version, only manufactured for 1 year
- 3 owners since new, 1 for 26 years
- Original engine and verified mileage
I have owned many Classic Minis and I purchased this one 2018, and it took me a while to find a mainstream Rover Cooper that was original and unmolested. I found this one in Cambridgeshire, the previous owners had owned it for 26 years, having purchased it at 10 months old from the first owner. I was told the first owner was in the US Air Force (backed up by previous V5), and he wished to export it to the USA, but he was unable due to the stringent US emissions regs at the time, so he sold it locally.
The vehicle had been garaged for many years, and had no MOT. It surprisingly didn’t need too much work to get it through the MOT. I fitted new Yokohama 165/ 70 tyres, new bumpers, grille and did relevant recommissioning. Then during lockdown I spent a lot of time restoring the engine bay back to factory spec, painting the block etc. I fitted a new fuse box, replaced what needed to be, added new bulkhead sound deadening, and making it as original as possible. I have the original factory airbox (pictured), which has been removed as apparently it increases airflow without it. This is not a concourse car, but an original one, which as far as I can see has never been welded.
Perhaps the reason this vehicle has survived, is because from new it was treated to wax oil injection into the sills, which is evident by red plastic bungs in both door steps, only seen when the door is open.
The mileage of 65, 460 is backed up by old MOTs. I have had the cylinder head off, replaced the valve stem oil seals and checked all the valves and clearances. The engine pulls really well and sounds great with the new RC40 exhaust and it goes through the gears with no issue. There is no catalytic converter and this vehicle does not require one because of it’s age. It still retains the original Cooper inlet manifold. The rear subframe was removed and overhauled, and the rear brakes have been serviced and new shock absorbers fitted. Everything works, even the rear heated screen. I have installed a discrete high level brake light and indicators, which can easily be removed before sale if required.
There are a few paint issues, and some repairs have been made around the scuttle in the past and the paint is a bit faded around that area. There are a few light scuffs on the bonnet, and bottom of one door is bubbling, hard to see on the photos. However for a 33 year old vehicle, it is in good usable condition, presumably helped but the fact it was garaged its entire life, including in my ownership.
Please note it is not missing the bonnet stripes, they were a factory option and the first owner did not spec them. I had the original Rover dealer number plates remade by a specialist, in correct period font.
MOT’d until 1st July 2025, only advisory is a small exhaust leak. I have receipts, old MOTs, tax discs, and history from the previous owner, including original Rover manuals etc. Plus all the receipts from my ownership. Please note it is not ULEZ compliant. It does run on unleaded fuel.
The spare wheel is an original Rover alloy (pictured), and it has the original jack and tyre iron, in the original bag. It comes with 2 sets of keys and I have the V5C in my name. I looked into getting a heritage certificate, but Rover did not keep the records and so they do not issue them for this age vehicle. It is HPI clear, not financed or written off.
I am only selling because we have a new baby. However I know what it owes me and I am not in a hurry to sell. Also I will not accept advance deposits, I would prefer you come and stand in front of it first.
This is a traditional classified advert, please call me with any quetions.
