1997 Rover Mini Cooper

Lot details
Registration No: P484DCK
Chassis No: SAXXNNAZEWD144191
Mot Expiry: Jan 2009

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.

This Mini Cooper with Sportpack - wide wheelarch flares covering 13x6J Minilite-type wheels and low-profile tyres, with half leather and cloth interior plus four auxiliary driving lights - has had four previous owners, and has undergone some minor restoration work to eliminate rot spots. The owner says it has never been in an accident. It has had an additional engine stabiliser fitted, plus new alternator, battery, water pump pulley and belt, plug leads and a recent dealer engine service and new MOT. The service history apparently runs from new until 45,550 miles in June 2002. The vendor describes the body as "immaculate" and the chassis as "solid", with things generally in "good working order". Now showing 69,411 miles, this delightful Mini is a lovely example of the marque; highly usable or worth preserving.