Description

Model History

In September of 1990, Rover re-introduced the Mini Cooper with their own updates and revisions to the classic British motoring icon. A 1275cc A series engine – which was updated to include fuel injection allowed customers to quickly adapt and live with this car. In addition, bigger wheels, bigger fuel tank and brakes made the Mini more ‘practical’ than its predecessors. Produced until the year 2000, the (Rover) Mini is known as a car that can be easily driven around a city, yet dominate motorsports with the right amount of tuning and driving technique – thanks to its ‘go-kart’ handling and lightweight chassis engineered by Sir Alec Issigonis and John Cooper.

History File

This is a 1995 Rover Mini Cooper, finished in a two-tone blend of Yellow and White with a Black interior. It has gone under a complete conversion to resemble a classic Austin Mini Cooper – with everything from the exterior to interior details allowing this Rover Mini to be reminiscent of an Austin-era Mini. Performance upgrades this Mini has include an upgraded radiator, fuel injectors with manifold, an alloy rocker cover, upgraded head gasket, manifold gasket, oil pump, alternator, spark plugs and water pump. Most notably, this Mini Cooper features dual fuel tanks (with fuel tanks present on the driver and front passenger sides). It has also received a full Bilstein suspension setup (front & rear), upgraded suspension knuckle joints, tie rod bars (with bushings), adjustable lower suspension arms (with bushings), an upgraded steering rack (with spacer bushings), a 12 to 10 brake conversion (including rear wheel cylinders and brakes shoes), and black-finished Mini Mamba wheels wrapped in Yokohama A032R tires. Exterior modifications include a full exterior chrome trim set (roof chrome moulds, chrome beltlines for the windscreens, side trim, door & rear trunk handle, side door moulds), stainless steel windscreen wipers, refurbished windscreen & rear window rubber seals, a MK1 Morris Cooper grille with surrounding trim (paired with an Austin Cooper front bonnet badge), exterior wheel arches (finished in Black), and a rear stainless steel bumper. It has also been resprayed at one point to its current Yellow and White paint finish. Interior modifications include a pair of narrow leather fixed-back bucket seats, a wood-trimmed three-spoke Moto-Lita steering wheel, MK3 Mini side door plastic panels, and a single-dial tachometer. All of the restoration work, regular maintenance and installation of all the parts have been carried out by local Hong Kong Mini specialist MiniPit in To Kwa Wan – the full parts list, as well as all of the invoices detailing the work done to this Mini will be provided. Since its return, this Mini Cooper had its tie rod bushings replaced, as well as a brand new radiator electric fan installed. This Mini has 8 previous owners and the current road licence is valid until 2nd May, 2023.

Exterior

Our visual inspection revealed that the Yellow paint finish on this Mini Cooper is in excellent condition – the respray this car received was of professional grade. The same holds true for the White finished roof. Both the front and rear chrome bumpers are in great shape, with no visible rust or surface patina. Both doors, the bonnet, and the boot lid open and close normally, with no classic car patina or rust on their hinges or latches. The headlights, taillights, and side indicators all work properly, and the chrome trim around them is in excellent condition.  The classic MK1 Morris Mini Cooper grille installed on this example is flawless, with no visible patina on the exterior chrome badges and emblems. There is no kerb rash on any of the four Mini Mamba wheels.

Interior and Trim

Inside, a minimalist, compact interior is perfectly suited for all four occupants, with individual leather fixed-back bucket seats firmly holding both the driver and front passenger in place. All of the seats are completely undamaged and have no surface damage. The three-spoke Moto-Lita steering wheel is wood-trimmed and free of surface wear or scratches. The dashboard’s leather, plastic, and Yellow body color-coordinated components are all completely intact. The gear shift lever, shift boot, and wood-finished gear shift knob are all in excellent condition. Both side door panels have been well preserved from any hard use or wear, as have the door sills and handles. The interior carpeting has been meticulously maintained throughout the interior as well as in the rear cargo area. The single tachometer mounted on the steering wheel and the instrument cluster mounted in the centre of the dash function normally to relay their key information, and none of their surfaces or surrounding trim are damaged.

Engine and Running Gear 

When you turn the key, the 1275cc fuel-injected engine ignites with a sprightly exhaust note audible from the rear. The powertrain of this Mini Cooper is in excellent aesthetically and mechanically thanks to the extensive work and care it has received. The engine accelerates quickly and has proven to be very strong and smooth throughout the rev range. eager to be pushed to the limit. The 4-Speed manual transmission engages all of its gears with ease, and the clutch was simple to apply and use. The Bilstein suspension, combined with the Mini Cooper’s natural go-kart steering setup and handling, ensured that this car could change direction quickly and sharply. The 12 to 10 brake conversion installed on this Mini results in very responsive brakes that bring this compact car to a complete stop. This one-of-a-kind Rover Mini Cooper combines the modern Rover Mini’s fuel-injected powertrain with the aesthetic style and appearance of the Austin Mini Cooper – and it’s only available at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)