1997 CLASSIC ROVER MINI 1.3i MPI (COMING SOON)

Supplied new by Colliers Rover on 1st August 1997, this charming Mini is finished in rare Platinum Silver, complemented by a contrasting stone beige ‘Balmoral’ interior trim. Under the bonnet resides a 1275cc multi-point injection engine producing around 62bhp through a four-speed manual transmission. Specification highlights include 12-inch ‘pepper-pot’ style alloy wheels, a tweed and leatherette interior with a contrasting red carpet, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, a burr walnut dashboard and a three-clock binnacle with magnolia-faced dials. Displaying just 33,979 miles from new, this Mini has remained in the care of its original owner throughout its entire life. The supplying dealer maintained the car up until 2005 at approximately 21,000 miles, after which it was largely serviced by the same trusted local garage. Impressively, the owner retained virtually every receipt and piece of paperwork from new, resulting in one of the most comprehensive history files I have seen. Included within the file are the original bill of sale, a fully-stamped service book and extensive maintenance records documenting the car’s life in detail. Letting go of the Mini was not an easy decision, owing to the strong sentimental attachment formed over nearly three decades of ownership. Ultimately, the decision part with the car was driven purely by lack of use and the owner’s decision to stop driving. In fact, the Mini has covered fewer than 1,000 miles during the past eight years. Throughout its life, it has been garage stored, carefully driven and MOT tested annually without exception. This is a genuinely well-loved example that has been well maintained and enjoyed as intended. The Platinum Silver paintwork appears in very good order overall, while the glass, chromework and trim all present excellently. The inner wings display uniform spot welds, while the chassis number is correctly etched into both front and rear screens, as well as stamped into the scuttle. The original factory ‘body number’ is present on the bonnet slam panel, while there are correct gaps in between the scuttle and tops of the wings. The original supplying dealer number plates still remain in situ, which is rare to see. Body-colour vented sills are present both sides and the rear subframe has been wire brushed and waxoyl protected for longevity. Inside, the cabin is wonderfully preserved and has a genuine ‘timewarp’ feel. The seats, carpet and headlining remain in excellent condition with no visible tears or damage, while the leather steering wheel and gear knob display only a gentle, honest patina. Years of careful indoor storage have paid dividends in preserving the burr walnut dashboard, which has resisted the fading, cracking and delamination that they so typically succumb to. The passenger and rear seats appear virtually untouched. Elsewhere, the engine bay and boot are both in commendable condition. On the road, the 1275cc multi-point injection engine is strong and pulls impeccably and gear synchros are all in good order without any crunches upon changes. It drives exactly as a carefully maintained, low-mileage Mini should. The Mini is sold freshly serviced and MOT’d and is accompanied by two sets of keys and its exceptionally comprehensive history file. Dates and mileages: 899 Miles (08/11/1997) 1,750 Miles (07/02/1998) 3,247 Miles (29/07/1998) 6,372 Miles (28/07/1999) 9,051 Miles (26/07/2000) 11,807 Miles (25/07/2001) 14,510 Miles (23/07/2002) 17,352 Miles (23/07/2003) 19,954 Miles (21/07/2004) 21,614 Miles (10/07/2005) 22,519 Miles (10/07/2006) 23,274 Miles (22/06/2007) 24,137 Miles (19/07/2008) 24,912 Miles (06/07/2009) 26,096 Miles (16/07/2010) 27,254 Miles (28/06/2011) 28,529 Miles (27/06/2012) 29,657 Miles (27/06/2013) 30,468 Miles (26/06/2014) 31,280 Miles (06/07/2015) 31,969 Miles (20/07/2016) 32,597 Miles (11/07/2017) 33,051 Miles (28/06/2018) 33,369 Miles (25/06/2019) 33,554 Miles (29/06/2020) 33,643 Miles (30/06/2021) 33,715 Miles (29/06/2022) 33,774 Miles (29/06/2023) 33,867 Miles )03/07/2024) 33,944 Miles (02/07/2025) 33,979 Miles (28/05/2026) A cherished, single-owner example with outstanding provenance and genuine enthusiast appeal. This Mini is currently being prepared for sale. Further information and images to follow.