Lot details Registration No: X153BBA Chassis No: 186264 Mot Expiry: July 2007
The chance meeting between John Cooper and Aurelio Lampredi at the 1959 Italian GP is now an established part of Mini folklore. Having charmed a very early 850cc model out of BMC and driven it to the Monza meeting, Cooper was accosted by Fiat engineer (and former Ferrari F1 designer) Lampredi. Infected by his old enemy's enthusiasm, the Italian asked to borrow the new wonder car. Returning several hours later, he heralded it as the future of automotive design before adding "if it weren't so ugly, I'd shoot myself". Unperturbed (or perhaps encouraged) Cooper continued to harass Issigonis and BMC until they agreed to build a 'hot' version. Initially conceived as a homologation special, the Mini Cooper was launched in July 1961. Powered by an enlarged 997cc engine and benefiting from front discs, it gave way to a succession of ever quicker variants culminating in the 1275 'S' of 1964. Twice winner of the Monte Carlo rally, this uber-Mini became another casualty of British Leyland in 1971. Encouraged by the reaction to a limited edition RSP (Rover Special Products) version nineteen years later, Rover put the Mini Cooper back into full-time production during late 1991. Upgraded with mono-point fuel injection the following season, its 1275cc four-cylinder engine gained a multi-point feed and front-mounted radiator in 1997. Though, even these updates could not prevent the last Mini rolling off the assembly line in October 2000.
First registered in 2001, this very late Mini Cooper is finished in red with a white roof and two-tone (black leather / silver cloth) upholstery. Adorned with bonnet stripes, body-coloured wheelarch extensions, 'bullet' door mirrors, deep-dished chrome 'alloys', clear rear light lenses and a rally-style quad spotlight pack, it has reportedly covered just 28,604 miles from new. Described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its 1275cc engine, (new) four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres, 'X153 BBA' is said to benefit from a special dashboard, chrome interior handles and a CD player. Only being offered for sale due to an impending loft conversion, it is accompanied by a MOT certificate valid until July 2007.
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