Lot details Registration No: Un-Reg Chassis No: SAXXNNAXKWD146481 Mot Expiry: May 2010
By the time the production line at Longbridge finally closed in 2000, more than 5 million Minis had been built. 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. Though its original proposed engine size of 948cc had been downgraded to 848cc before launch, so as not to embarrass more expensive BMC cars, its sparkling handling soon attracted 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. Rebranded Rover in 1989, in 1996 it gained fuel injection, a driver's airbag and the radiator moved around to the front. The iconic Cooper reappeared in 1990, and was offered again as a factory model from September of that year. Buyers were kept busy with an extensive options list with which to personalise their cars.
Finished in British Racing Green with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Yet to be UK registered following its recent importation from Japan, the Mini is believed but not warranted to have covered some 60,500 kilometres (circa 37,800 miles) from new. In possession of a MOT certificate valid until May 2010, the car is said to "drive very well". Riding on `Minilite' alloy wheels, its impressive specification also includes leather upholstery, automatic transmission and air conditioning! A tempting proposition, this `mod con' packed Cooper has had import duty paid on it and should therefore be relatively straightforward to register with the DVLA.
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