The Mini is one of the most iconic cars in automotive history. Sir Alec Issigonis was briefed to design a car that could be contained within a box that measured 3m x 1.2m x 1.2m, and the passenger compartment should occupy 60% of that length. The engine had to be an existing BMC unit, and therefore superior to the motorcycle -engined bubble cars. The Mini was the result and was introduced in 1959. Badged as both Austin and Morris, initially called the Austin Seven or Morris Minor, the Mini was powered by a transversely mounted 850cc four-cylinder engine producing 34 HP powering the front wheels and only weighed 600kg.

In 1961, John Cooper, a successful Formula 1 racing car constructor, noted the potential of the Mini as a performance car. He gave the 850cc engine a longer stroke, twin SU carburetors, front disc brakes and a closer ratio gearbox and the Mini Cooper was born.

The Mini 1.3i, the last of the small body (pre-BMW) Mini’s, was produced by Rover between October 1996 and March 2000 It featured Multi point injection (MPI), a front mounted radiator, and a full width dashboard. Due to the popularity of the Sports package option, a new standalone model was produced from March to October 2000 with the Sports package fitted as standard. The white roof & bonnet stripes were now platinum silver, the walnut dash replaced with alloy finish and the alloy interior pack was now standard (window winders &door pulls).

This Rover Mini Cooper is one of the Sport models that had the sports package fitted as standard. It was imported by BMW South Africa to promote the launch of the new BMW Mini brand in 2000. Once it fulfilled its duty for BMW South Africa, it was auctioned off for charity at the Elton John Aids Foundation Auction in January 2005. The winning bidder asked Elton John, who was present at the auction, to sign the driver’s side door and has owned this Rover Mini Cooper Sport to date. He is the only privately registered owner with the Mini having covered only 2800 km since new.

This is an opportunity to secure a rare low mileage late production Rover Mini Cooper Sport that will be a key addition to any serious car collection.

Contact Gareth for more details: Tel: (021) 462 3558 - Mobile: 083 5370 456