1998 Rover Mini Cooper 1300i Sportspack (Mk7) Manual

Highlights

• Traceable history from original Rover dealer purchase in November 1998

• 47,402 miles averaging fewer than 2,000 per year

• Original Rover service booklet, document wallet and dealership welcome letter retained

• Flame Red with Old English White roof factory Sportspack livery

• Gas-adjustable front dampers fitted as a handling upgrade

Overview

By the late '90s, the classic Mini had moved somewhat upmarket. Equipment levels rose, production volumes were trimmed, and what rolled off the Longbridge line was effectively a hand-built car in an era dominated by automated manufacturing. Powered by a 63bhp twin-point fuel-injected 1,275cc A-Series engine, riding on 13-inch wheels, and equipped with as much kit as could be squeezed into its diminutive frame, the 90’s classic Mini remained a wonderfully characterful machine. Add the Sportspack treatment – quad rally-style driving lamps, wide wheel arch extensions, leather cabin and a burr walnut dashboard – and you'd got something genuinely special.

First registered in November 1998, this Mini Cooper Sportspack emerged during precisely that period. And in addition to the lovely specification and low mileage of just 47,402 miles, we have a charming set of matching documentation: the original Rover service booklet accompanies the car, and the original selling dealer stamp dated 23.11.98 remains clearly legible inside. Even the dealership welcome letter from January 1999, referencing this very registration, has survived the journey. 

Flame Red bodywork contrasts with the Old English White roof, bonnet stripes and door mirrors, while the leather-trimmed seats with contrasting tan piping present a natural patina. Cream-faced auxiliary gauges sit within the walnut fascia and chrome accents catch the light throughout, which helps to make the whole cabin feel inviting. The vendor tells us that it starts first time and sounds sensational through the gears. Upgraded gas-adjustable front dampers hint at a previous owner's attention to driving dynamics. Despite the low mileage, this isn't a car that's been hidden away. It's one that's been enjoyed, looked after, and is ready for its next chapter.

History and documentation

• First registered 23rd Nov 1998

• V5C confirms vehicle was declared new at first registration

• Original Rover service booklet with VIN (SAXXNNAZEXD168431) and engine number (12A2LK70 378799) matching V5C

• Original selling dealer stamp dated 23.11.98 with original dealership welcome letter from January 1999 referencing registration S812CYG

• Stamped service book with records as follows: Sep 1999 @ 2,919 miles (Rover dealer), Sep 1999 @ 2,977 miles (Rover dealer), Jun 2000 @ 11,622 miles (Rover Approved Service), Apr 2001 @ 23,036 miles (MG Rover dealer), Feb 2003 @ 29,850 miles, Dec 2005 @ 34,697 miles, Feb 2006 @ 35,757 miles, Jun 2010 @ 39,000 miles, Apr 2012 @ 43,000 miles, Apr 2019 @ 46,358 miles

• Collection of invoices documenting bodywork investment including new front wings and A panels (Jun 2011 @ 42,005 miles), offside sill and door step replacement with wheel arch repair (May 2015 @ 44,784 miles), and nearside front sill welding with rear brake overhaul (May 2017 @ 45,412 miles)

• Supporting parts invoices from specialist Mini suppliers documenting ignition service, air control valve, fuel filter, rocker cover gasket, starter motor, headlamp assembly, battery and gas-adjustable front dampers

• Original Rover document wallet, service portfolio and AA Rover Assistance card retained

• In current ownership since October 2025

• Eight former keepers

• Underseal applied to floorpan

• 47,402 miles

Interior

• The burr walnut dashboard and cream-faced auxiliary gauges create a cabin that feels properly special; chrome-ringed voltmeter, oil pressure and temperature dials sit centrally and all appear in good legible condition

• Dark leather seats with tan piping present very well with only light natural creasing and no tears or splits visible

• Driver's seat bolster shows minimal wear consistent with the modest mileage

• Two-tone Cooper-branded steering wheel in tan and black leather remains in good condition with no obvious cracking

• Matching tan leather gear knob and gaiter show mild surface wear

• Door cards in black leather with horizontal pleating, polished chrome window winders and chrome door pulls are in fine shape with no tears or sagging

• Headlining appears clean and sag-free throughout

• Carpets are clean and hardly worn according to the vendor

• Aftermarket Alpine head unit fitted; an exposed wiring loom is visible beneath the lower left of the dashboard near the transmission tunnel

• All switchgear including illuminated rocker switches for headlights, hazards and heated rear screen appear intact

• Boot space is tidy with full-size spare wheel present on a steel rim; some wear to the boot trim edge on the right-hand side

• The vendor mentions the clock may need attention but confirms the alarm works and all electrics function

• Drilled aluminium accelerator pedal fitted as a period-correct upgrade; rubber clutch and brake pedal covers show moderate wear consistent with mileage

Exterior

• Finished in the factory Sportspack livery of Flame Red with Old English White roof, bonnet stripes and door mirrors

• The vendor describes the exterior as excellent, though minor stone chips are visible on the boot handle and front bumper

• Full Sportspack specification with wide wheel arch extensions sitting flush with no visible cracks or misalignment

• Quad rally-style driving lamps mounted on a chrome bar across the front grille; all lenses appear clear and undamaged

• Chrome front and rear bumpers are bright and straight with good lustre

• White "Mini Cooper" laurel wreath decals on both rear quarters are intact and unfaded

• Coachline pinstripes along the waistline appear straight and evenly applied

• All shut lines appear even and consistent across the car

• Chrome window surrounds, door handles and trim intact throughout with no obvious pitting

• Winged Mini grille badge and rear Cooper badge present and in good order

• 13-inch silver multi-spoke Sportspack alloy wheels with green Mini centre caps present well with no obvious kerbing

• Nankang 175/50R13 tyres fitted with reasonable tread depth remaining

• Branded "Mini Cooper" mudflaps fitted to the rear, consistent with Sportspack specification

• Underside shows a dark protective coating consistent with the vendor's claim that underseal has been applied; sills and floor pan edges appear solid

• Rear subframe and suspension mounting points appear sound from visible angles

Mechanical

• 1,275cc twin-point fuel-injected A-Series four-cylinder engine producing 63bhp

• Engine bay presents with typical age-related patina; wiring looms, hoses and ancillaries all appear present and correctly routed with no obviously split or perished items visible

• Four-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive

• Gas-adjustable front dampers fitted (Apr 2024) as a handling upgrade

• Rear brakes overhauled with new wheel cylinders (May 2017)

• Recent maintenance includes new starter motor, NGK spark plugs, genuine HT leads, air control valve, fuel filter, rocker cover gasket and Yuasa battery

• The vendor tells us the car starts first time and runs beautifully through the gears

• No mechanical issues reported by the vendor

Summary

For those who believe provenance matters as much as patina, this Flame Red Sportspack makes a compelling case. It's the combination that's so hard to find: the desirable Sportspack aesthetic, the Cooper character, and 47,402 miles supported by a collection of documents stretching right back to the original Rover dealer's stamp in November 1998. 

Driven enough to stay healthy, maintained enough to stay honest. It would make a characterful addition to any enthusiast's stable – and an even better companion for Sunday drives.

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 Bordon, Hampshire.