1990 Rover Mini Checkmate |

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1990 Rover Mini Checkmate

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£6,785

Mileage~23,726
TransmissionManual
Engine1.0-litre
LocationWalsall

SOLD

1990 Rover Mini Checkmate

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glynn

Professional Consignor

Of course the Mini needs no introduction - so getting straight to the point, here we have a Checkmate model that offered some key enhancements to this icon - no surprise they sold out immediately at launch.

The Mini Checkmate was a 1990 special edition of just 2,500 cars offering some very desirable extras and enhancements. These include Minilite wheels, white roof, three clock dash and sports upholstery. Only four colours were available with black being the rarest today.

Back in 1990 the Checkmate sold out immediately, prompting Rover to go on to relaunch the Cooper. Today, it is believed that only around 180 Checkmates remain and this example, having undergone a full restoration, must surely be one of the very best.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glynn after meeting Allan the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

My father bought this car when he was 77 years old and I then inherited from him when he passed away aged 96 - this car has played a significant part in our family history.

Allan became the legal owner of this Checkmate in 2013 after the sad passing of his father. At that point he became the fifth owner and the car had done just under 23,000 miles. Allan was determined to bring the Mini back to its original condition and so engaged Mini specialists Blakehill Body Centre in Swindon to undertake a full restoration.

Allan

Vehicle Owner

Allan saved £1,080* when they
sold their Mini with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The combination of rare black paintwork and signature white roof over silver Minilites creates a real classic Mini feel.

Wheels and Tyres

The 12 inch Minilites would look ridiculously small on any other car but were literally made to measure for the diminutive Mini. The wheels are in good condition but not without some slight kerb rash in places on close inspection - a super easy and inexpensive improvement.

The 145/70 Eco Vision tyres give the car the period correct stance with the deep side wall. The tyres all appear in nearly new condition with the car only having covered hundreds of miles since restoration.

Bodywork

As you will see from the invoice bundle and the restoration photographs, this Mini Checkmate has benefited from a full body restoration in 2015 and since then it has done only a few hundred miles. The bodywork condition is commensurate with its recent history.

We think it's worth giving a big shout out to Blakehill Body Centre in Swindon that completed all the work back in 2015. Looking at the car today, six years on, it looks just as good. All the usual hot spot areas like around the headlights and skuttle joins look just great. It's clear to see the restorers did a really good job, including the paint work too. Please take a look at the Paperwork section to see pictures of the car before and during the restoration.

We have taken hi-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the bodywork condition for yourselves.

Paint

As you would expect, given this car’s many thousand-pound restoration history, the black body and white roof paint presents very well. The colour looks even across the car with a deep shine - also, the reflections are really good too, a finish you'd expect on a more expensive car.

However, please take time to review all the images and videos showing the paint from different angles and reflections, to assess the condition for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass appears to be in excellent unchipped condition. No areas of distortion or discolouration were noted.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The Checkmate features a more sophisticated three clock instrument binnacle giving a more sporty feel compared to its forebears.

Seats and Carpets

Another feature of the Checkmate package is sports orientated fabric upholstery which appears unripped and in good general condition.

Carpets appear unworn if a little flat in colour and could possibly benefit from re-dying or a deep clean.

Dashboard

The addition of a tachometer and the relocation of the instrument binnacle to behind the steering wheel gives the Checkmate a sporty appeal and a more ergonomic feel. All gauges appeared to work as expected during our on the road session.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is sports orientated too in the Checkmate. Both wheel and gearstick present well and appear to be in good condition.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The diminutive 998cc inline four punches well above its weight in the featherlight Mini - this little power-plant is at the heart of the joie-de-vie exuded by the classic Mini.

Engine and Gearbox

During our brief trip in the car all mechanical systems worked as expected and belied the age of the car. Given the extremely low mileage the car has covered and the depth of the restoration, it is really no surprise that the car drives so well.

The four speed gearbox is a slick and pleasingly mechanical affair and all gears seemed to engage smoothly and decisively.

Suspension and Brakes

The brakes and innovative hydro-elastic suspension of the car appear to combine effortlessly to create a sporty yet compliant ride.

The Drive

Aside from the ground-breaking packaging afforded by the transverse engine layout, it was the perky nature of the Mini’s drive that really set it apart from its contemporaries.

Given the background of this car it provides as near a “factory-fresh” Mini driving experience as you are likely to find.

Please watch the 'On the Road' video to see the car start and a brief run around the local area.

Electrics and Other

All electrics appeared to be working as expected and Allan attests to their efficiency and reliability.

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History and Paperwork

There is a great level of paperwork to accompany this Mini as well as a host of photographs documenting the restoration process.

We have also included the 'before' restoration photos in the Paperwork gallery - it's great to see these so you can see the work that has been done during the restoration.

The car has a current MOT that expires in April next year - there were no advisories when tested.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
03.04.21	MOT	23,664
21.09.19	MOT	23,580
25.08.18	MOT	23,483
03.09.17	MOT	23,416
22.08.16	MOT	23,236
28.05.15	MOT	22,938

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Key Details

ModelMini Checkmate
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date01.08.90
CC998cc
Mileage~23,726
ColourBlack / White
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimFabric / Vinyl
Chassis #SAXXL2S1020460360
Engine #99HF16101481
RestoredYes
Engine RebuildNo
MOTYes - Exp 02.04.2022
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers5
Tyre TreadExcellent
Tyre BrandEco Vision
Tyre Age2015
Brake LifeGood
BrakesGood
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned8 years
Key FeatureRestored & Lovely

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : Allan P Sale Date 10.11.2021

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

6 Comments

amj

3 years ago

Hi
I assume the mileage has been around the clock? I couldn’t see any paperwork showing mileage earlier than 2015.
Thanks Andy

amj

3 years ago

Hi
I assume the mileage has been around the clock – 123000? I couldnt see any paperwork showing mileage earlier than 2015.
Thanks Andy

amj

3 years ago

Hi
I assume the mileage has been around the clock – 123k? I couldnt see any paperwork showing mileage earlier than 2015.
Thanks Andy

Mark Brookes

3 years ago

Hello Allan, my name is Mark and I live in Manchester. I have been actively searching for my first Classic mini for sometime now, but to no avail. I have just seen your classic and really interested in purchasing. Do I have to go through the auction or can I go through yourself.

Kind regards

Kulraj Salh

Admin

Mark Brookes

3 years ago

Hi Mark, the car is live on auction as you can clearly see. All bids placed online are final and binding. We may well delete this comment/question as it’s a bit obvious and not adding any value to the auction process. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Allan

Mark Brookes

3 years ago

Hi mark,
Thanks for your interest, through auction site at this stage.

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Vehicle Location

Walsall

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