2001 ROVER MINI

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2026 on Saturday the 14th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. Estimated price: GBP 25,000 - GBP 30,000. By the mid-1980s, the future of the classic Mini appeared increasingly uncertain. With the Austin Metro firmly established as the company's small-car offering, many expected the Mini to disappear from the range. However, its enduring popularity and unmistakable character ensured its survival, with a succession of special editions and imaginative marketing campaigns maintaining interest in a design that had already celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1989.

The introduction of the Mk 6 in 1992 marked another important chapter in the Mini's development, with the 1,275cc engine becoming a regular production fitment and the Cooper firmly established within the range. Further revisions followed in 1996 with the arrival of the Mk 7, the final evolution of the original Mini. Now equipped with twin-point fuel injection, a front-mounted radiator, improved heating, additional safety equipment and more refined gearing, the Mini had developed considerably whilst retaining the charm and driving characteristics that had made it such an enduring success.

As production approached its conclusion, Rover introduced a number of increasingly desirable variants, culminating in the Classic Cooper Sport. Inspired by the popularity of the optional Sports Pack, this final flagship model incorporated the wider wheelarches and 13-inch alloy wheels as standard, together with a distinctive combination of traditional Mini styling and more contemporary detailing. The familiar contrasting Old English White roof and bonnet stripes gave way to Platinum Silver, whilst the interior benefited from an alloy dashboard and matching fittings, including the window winders, door pulls and handles. Revised Mini badging completed the specification, distinguishing these final examples from their predecessors.

Just 2,091 right-hand drive Classic Cooper Sports were produced during the final phase of Mini production, making them a particularly interesting chapter in the model's remarkable 41-year history. When the last classic Mini left the Longbridge production line on 4th October 2000, accompanied by music from The Italian Job and applause from the assembled workforce, it marked the end of one of Britain's most celebrated motoring stories.

The example offered here is a particularly noteworthy survivor. Finished in Tahiti Blue with its contrasting Platinum Silver roof and detailing, it was supplied new by Evans Halshaw of Shirley and first registered in 2001. It was subsequently acquired by its second and current keeper in 2003 and has remained in dry storage for much of the intervening period, emerging principally for MOT testing and indicated just 1,968 miles at the time of cataloguing.

Of particular interest is a plaque located inside the glovebox stating that the car was one of the final 500 Minis manufactured to Sir Alec Issigonis' original design. Whilst an intriguing detail, enquiries with the relevant register have revealed no record of this particular car being identified as one of the final 500, and no accompanying documentation has been provided to independently verify the claim. Interested parties should therefore satisfy themselves as to its significance. The accompanying service book contains two service stamps, with a further oil and filter change by the current vendor in 2025.

The car displays a remarkable degree of preservation, with its exceptionally low indicated mileage and limited ownership contributing considerably to its appeal. We understand that, until the recent photography session, the car had never even been exposed to rain, an unusual detail that illustrates the care with which it has been kept over the years.

With just one previous keeper, over two decades in its current ownership and a mere 1,968 miles indicated, this Tahiti Blue Cooper Sport represents an opportunity to acquire a particularly well-preserved example of the final classic Mini. For the enthusiast or collector seeking a late-production Mini with exceptionally limited use, it is certainly worthy of close inspection.