Lot 201: Rover Mini Cooper Sport Saloon

Having devised the iconic original back in the early 1960s, John Cooper sold his own modified Minis under the 'Mini Cooper' name from the mid-1980s, before Rover's acquisition of the rights to the name made it possible to officially re-launch the model in September 1990. The new Mini Cooper was based on the Mini 30, the most luxuriously equipped Limited Edition Mini to date, but fitted with the 1,275cc engine rather than the 30's 998cc unit. What would turn out to be the final Mini version - the Mark 7 - arrived in 1996. Changes included twin-point fuel injection, higher final drive gearing, driver's airbag, side impact beams, additional sound insulation, improved front seats, front-mounted radiator and a 'Sportpack' option. By the time production ceased in 2000, a total of well over 5 million Minis of all types had been produced, making it the best selling British car of all time. This vehicle's accompanying Swansea V5C document shows that it was registered/used overseas (in Japan) and declared manufactured 1997. The car was purchased by the current vendor in May 2003, at which time a total of 16,097 miles was displayed on the odometer (the current reading is 20,325). An automatic transmission model, it features a Speedwell-converted 1,275cc engine boasting a reworked cylinder head and other modifications, oversized exhaust system, etc. (It should be noted that because of the conversion there is no Supplemental Restraint System). Other noteworthy features include air conditioning, leather sports seats and door panels, wood dashboard and door trim caps, sports steering wheel, alloy wheels and a Panasonic stereo radio/cassette/CD player (the cassette itself was not present when purchased). The car has always been kept in a heated garage by the current owner and remains in generally very good condition apart from a few minor signs of wear and tear accumulated over the past 12 years. Finished in green/white with black leather interior, the latter equipped with 'Mini' floor mats front and rear, this well cared for Mini Cooper benefits from a new battery fitted in June 2009 and is offered with MoT/tax to June 2010, Swansea V5C and a file of history including sundry service bills, old MoTs, SORNs and tax discs. The cherished plate 'M18 TAP' is included in the sale.