Lot 011: 2000 Rover Mini Cooper S 500

After almost 5.5 million had been made, the last Mini rolled off the production line at Longbridge on October 4, 2000. Alec Issigonis' purest design redefined the small car, this masterpiece of packaging making best use of its tiny - just over 10ft - length to seat four adults. Revolutionary features such as the gearbox tucked under the transverse engine, tiny 10in wheels and innovative architecture - putting the body seams on the outside - made use of every cubic inch of volume. Its sparkling handling made it irresistible to the tuners, including John Cooper, whose hotted-up Mini attracted the attentions of BMC and Issigonis. From 1961, the factory offered the Cooper as a regular production model, with the still more powerful Cooper 'S' available from 1963. Soon, as well as being driven by royalty, Minis were practically unbeatable in rallies. By 1964, the Cooper had grown to its definitive 1275cc incarnation. The Mini grew up, of course. From its humble 848cc origins, the car had developed into a fuel-injected saloon with airbags, door bars, even a front radiator! The marque was rebranded Rover in 1989 and the Cooper name was revived that same year by John Cooper Garages, though Cooper production was taken in-house by Rover in 1990. Fuel injection arrived in 1991, and twin-point injection and taller gearing in 1997, making the car quieter and more relaxed. Rover loaded the last cars with progressively more extras, the last 500 being to this ultimate specification, having 13x6in alloy wheels, Sport Pack wide wheelarches and a host of extras including a brushed aluminium dashboard. What makes this car even more special is that it is "brand new" and unused, having been delivered to its owner on a trailer by the supplying dealer in Banbury. It is in excellent condition in every respect, described by its owner as "new" in every area from paintwork to wiring. It was professionally prepared for storage - the protective coating has only recently been removed for the sale - and sealed in a Carcoon (which is included in the sale), even though the premises it was stored in are heated and dehumidified. A rare opportunity to obtain an "as-new" example of the ultimate development of a British icon.