2000 Mini - Cooper Car Company genuine Cooper Conversion

Highlights 

• Fully restored, rebuilt and upgraded

• Cooper Car Company genuine Cooper Conversion

• Improved performance

• Uprated suspension

• Excellent condition throughout

• Well maintained

• Good history file

• Low mileage

• Advisory-free MOT

Overview

If you were ever in doubt as to the original Mini Cooper's capabilities then you just need to watch some historic British Saloon Car Championship races. Seeing the plucky Brit take on much larger capacity V8 yank tanks on track is a sight to behold that will never fail to put a smile on the face. Let's not forget either when Paddy Hopkirk piloted his Mini Cooper to victory in the Monte Carlo rally in 1965, beating out significantly more powerful rivals and kick starting the classic Mini’s dominance of the event over the years that followed.

The original Mini Cooper's iconic and revered status was well-earned then and today it represents not only an excellent way into classic car ownership but also a worthy addition to any collection. But with prices skyrocketing for certain models many can feel left out when it comes to affording said slice of automotive history. Luckily, there is a way to pick up a more keenly priced and arguably better driving example and that's to look to the later Mk VII models.

Produced by Rover between 1996 and 2000, the Mk VII Mini was a further development of the marque, being the final version of the original Mini before BMW got involved and the new capitalised MINI took over the reins. Featuring a more lively 1275cc four-cylinder with multi-point fuel injection, electronic ignition and management and one a coil per plug, along with a now front-mounted radiator, the Mk VII  is a spritely so-and-so that still retains the original Mini's charm, not to mention its excellent, go-kart like handling characteristics.

This particular late model Mini has benefited from a complete and fully documented ground up restoration and as such presents in stunning condition throughout. Not only does it look great, the car has also been mechanically upgraded care of a genuine full-spec John Cooper conversion. With a larger valve, ported cylinder head, high performance exhaust, improved fueling and induction plus many more features the kit further amplifies the already arresting driving experience. 

With new adjustable suspension all around the car has been fully tested and set up and is ready to be enjoyed. Complete with plenty of history it's clear it has been cherished and well-maintained, meaning this Mini Cooper S absolutely drives as well as looks.

History and documentation

• 2000 model year

• V5C present and correct in owner's name

• First registered October 13th 2000

• In current ownership since October 2024

• Two keys

• John Cooper conversion certificate and documentation dated February 20th 2025

• Fully documented restoration from late 2024 to early 2025 with corresponding invoices

• Photo book showing the restoration process

• Multiple receipts for parts, servicing and maintenance work from pre-delivery check in Oct 2000 to now

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until July 16th 2026

• 60,884 indicated miles

Interior

• In excellent condition throughout

• Minimal wear and tear

• Two tone leather seats are wearing well

• Door cards and carpets present well

• Mini Cooper branded over mats

• Dashboard remains undamaged

• No reports of any issues with the gauges or switchgear

• After market Sony stereo head unit

• Cooper Car Company genuine Cooper Conversion plaque in place

• No signs of any major damage

• The boot space is tidy and the car comes complete with spare steel wheel and tyre

• Engine bay is clean and well-presented

Exterior

• Fully restored and in superb shape 

• No sign of any corrosion

• Full body respray

• New heritage panels for front wings and scuttle along with multiple other panels

• No evidence of any dents or damage

• All chrome trim pieces look to be in good condition with no pitting

• Panel gaps appear uniform

• Cooper badging present and correct

• Quad front fog lights

• All four 13” alloy wheels are in good condition but there are a few very light marks to the edges of the rims

• Yokohama A539 tyres replaced Mar 2025

• Webasto roof functions as it should but the vendor reports two 1” rips to the inside

• All glasswork remains free from damage

• Underneath looks to be tidy and free from damage with only the usual light surface corrosion to some of the suspension components to note 

• New rear subframe and body protection applied all around

Mechanical

• 1.3-litre inline four-cylinder engine

• Four-speed manual gearbox 

• Front-wheel drive

• John Cooper Conversion 

• Sports exhaust as part of the Cooper S kit 

• Full suspension upgrade Nov 2024 

• Rear subframe replacement Feb 2025

• No mechanical issues to report as all addressed as part of the rebuild

• The vendor reports that the car drives well, sounds great and stops well with no issues 

Summary

The Mini can do no wrong. Universally adored and rightfully revered for just how much fun it is to drive the Cooper variants further solidified its reputation as an inherently capable car and this Mk VII model is no different. Beautifully presented and mechanically on point due to a recent rebuild the car's performance credentials are clear too, thanks to the John Cooper conversion to Cooper Sport specification. An excellent example of an excellent machine and one that wants for nothing, except of course to be driven and enjoyed.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.