Subtle cosmetic modifications as a nod to the Mini Cooper
One of the first Mini Sprites to have fuel injection
MoT with no advisories until April 2025
The Appeal
A car couldn’t survive in production for 41 years, from 1959 to 2000, if it wasn’t well-liked, but to call the Mini well-liked would be to understate terribly. Ask any owner for their opinion and you will receive a litany of answers praising its quick and nimble performance, charming looks, mechanical simplicity, economy, practicality, and immense scope for personalization. All will agree that it exudes character like no other car, and they’ll probably be smiling ecstatically while they’re telling you all about it. Who can argue with such a bulwark of enthusiasm?
Now that we’ve established that Minis are great fun, you only have to worry about buying the best you can. We would therefore recommend pausing to look closely at this one. The Mini Sprite was the entry-level Mini in the 1990s, but this one benefits from lots of subtle detail changes which give it both a sportier and more upmarket feel. The paintwork clearly pays homage to the much-loved Mini Cooper, while inside the addition of a walnut dash provides an extra level of refinement. Furthermore, this was one of the first Sprites to leave the factory with fuel-injection, following the Cooper’s lead and resulting in improved fuel efficiency and a more responsive throttle.
Aside from its unique and attractive details, condition must be a consideration and, for a car which will soon turn 30, its condition is phenomenal. It’s the result of a meticulous restoration undertaken between 2010 and 2013, and it should be plain to see just what a solid and well-presented car this is. If you want a Mini that’s show-worthy but also well-suited to everyday driving, this must be the ideal car.
Originally registered on 1st November 1994 and sold through Robinson of Kimbolton to Mr. David Woodward of Irchester, Northamptonshire
The fourth and present owner acquired the Mini when its previous owner went to his garage to trade it in under the government’s scrappage scheme in 2009 or 2010, but he committed himself to saving it from the scrapheap
The vendor became the official keeper of the car in April 2010 and proceeded to restore it to his own tastes over a period of three years, since when it has covered only 1,000 miles
Offered for sale with the current V5, one historic V5, numerous MoT certificates, various invoices for consumables, some photographs of the car part-way through its restoration, and original literature including the Owner’s Handbook, Service Record and In-Car Entertainment manual
Retains its original Rover-branded radio-cassette player
Though this Mini was in a rather sorry state before the vendor restored it, its interior had survived very well. This is evident in the condition of the fabric seats and door cards, all of which are in very good condition. There may be one or two light marks in places in keeping with the Mini’s age, but for an almost 30-year-old car the condition of the upholstery is exceptional. The headlining is especially clean, with no obvious blemishes to be seen.
The dash of the Mini Sprite was always a rather Spartan affair, but the vendor has given this example a more luxurious feel by installing a handsome walnut dash. Also in beautiful condition with a light patina just beginning to develop, it serves to make a very nice car that little bit nicer still.
All the other fittings, such as the steering wheel and door furniture, are in very good condition, though the driver’s door pocket displays some superficial scuffing.
It may be a simple car, but it is not without little luxuries such as a heater and the original radio-cassette player. So many cars of the ’80s and ’90s have lost their original cassette players, so to find one in a car of that period only adds to its desirability.
The boot is suitably minimal, but clean and tidy, and it contains a spare wheel in good condition plus two original jacks and wheel braces.
Finished in its original Electric Blue with Cooper-inspired stripes
Colour-matched wheel arch trim and Minilite-style wheels
Front end and roof completely resprayed in June 2023
When the vendor saved this car from the scrappage scheme it was, at the time, fighting a losing battle against the spread of rust. He put a stop to that, and after three years of going over it from top to bottom, it emerged looking as good as new. The work completed was extensive and involved the replacement of various panels, including the front and rear valances and both A-panels. New lights and bumpers were also fitted.
When painting the car, the vendor elected to make it better-looking by finishing it in the style of the Mini Cooper, with white roof and racing stripes and Minilite-style Minator wheels. The Minator alloys were professionally refurbished before being painted white, and benefit from locking wheel nuts. To complete the transformation, matching blue-painted wheel arch trim was fitted instead of the black plastic trim originally used on Sprites.
Having seen only very light use over the following 10 years, during which time the car has been stored in a well-ventilated garage, it all still presents in excellent order, although the vendor is conscious that some small bubbles are appearing under the paint in a couple of places around the waistline, and a chip has appeared just above the windscreen. For the most part, though, the car appears immaculate because, during June 2023, the front end – bonnet, wings and front panel – as well as the roof were resprayed, so they really do look as good as new.
The wheels still present very well with only a few superficial marks, and the chrome shines nicely, with a light patina just beginning to appear. Underneath, the sills and floorpan look wonderfully solid. The Mini also benefits from two brand-new tyres.
When we went to view this Mini, we were pleased to see it fire up the instant the key was turned and settle into a steady, even idle. On the road, it performed most handsomely, demonstrating the nimble and nippy qualities for which the model is famous. Though there is not a lot in the way of sound insulation, noise from the engine does not intrude excessively into the cockpit and our overall impression was that this Mini is in an excellent state of health.
The MoT tester would seem to agree with us, as it passed its test in March of this year without picking up a single advisory point. We’d expect it to be in good shape, though, on account of how it has only received occasional light use over the 10 years since it’s been restored. There’s been very little opportunity for anything to wear out, and the vendor has kept on top of maintenance. While the last official entry in the service book dates from 2001, the vendor works in the motor trade so has been able to service it in an unofficial but professional capacity.
You can see for yourself the good condition of the engine bay and the suspension, and we really believe that everything is as good as it looks.
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1994 Rover Mini Sprite
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