1997 Rover Mini Cooper Si |

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1997 Rover Mini Cooper Si

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

Sold Price

£13,886

Mileage~54,963
TransmissionManual
Engine1.3-litre
LocationMilton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

SOLD

1997 Rover Mini Cooper Si

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

A highly sought-after little car - one-owner Coopers with low mileage are becoming increasingly hard to find.

Not a car that really needs an introduction, the Mini is simply put, a motoring institution and a British design icon. By the 1990s its charm and image were as strong as ever despite the end of the line, and the last releases of the Cooper models, were considered the pinnacle of the model. Now fitted with a multi-point fuel injection engine, a driver's airbag, seat belt pre-tensioners and side impact protection beams, the visual presentation proudly screams out its racing roots without a single deviation from its inherent abilities.

Ordered new by its current owner from Aylesbury Rover in 1997, this Volcano Orange car was fitted with a factory full sunroof, full leather seats and sports pack and then modified by John Cooper Works a year later, with certification and plaque to confirm its authenticity. The car was then subject to a £14,000 refurbishment in 2010 by specialists Somerford Mini's and has barely seen ~5,000 miles since then.

Now with just 54,963 recorded miles, it comes complete with a very recent service (including a new water pump kit) and an MOT until April 2024.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Paul 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

It's a classic Mini and a road-legal go-cart - what is there not to love?

Paul and his wife, Patricia, are both die-hard Mini fanatics and have dedicated a lot of time and effort to this rather unique late-model John Cooper Works converted car. Used in fair weather, they often took advantage of its full-length sunroof on the occasional evening run.

Aware of the car's lack of use, having only covered not much more than 2,000 miles over the last 10 years, personal circumstances also force the sale of their beloved Mini. This is a truly unique opportunity for a fellow Mini-fanatic to benefit from the couple's dedication to their passion.

Paul

Vehicle Owner

Paul saved £2,340* when they
sold their Mini with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Beautifully presented throughout, the Volcano Orange paintwork suits its prowess.

Wheels and Tyres

The optional Sports Pack 13” Minilite alloys are in very good shape, with the lightest of scuffs noted on the rims.

All tyres show a legal amount of tread.

Bodywork

Thanks to the car's substantial professional bodywork refurb in 2010, its structural integrity is very positive, with the floor pan, subframes, inner wings and boot floor looking very solid. The same observation applies to the exterior of the car, with no discernible corrosion noted around the front wings, A-pillar door bottoms or lower valances.

The car is free of dents, with no issues with the visual presentation of the panel fit - being picky, the passenger door may need a minor adjustment to fit flush.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The pearlescent Volcano Orange paint has been well applied, with an even finish and no significant blemishes, other than a handful of light paint chips. The paint lustre is very good throughout, with no significant swirling.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is free of significant issues, with its rubber seals in a healthy state. All chrome trim has lasted well, with no immediate signs of age asides from a minor mark on the grille.

The wheel arches and free of marks, with no issues noted on the gutter trims, badges and Sports pack decals.

The headlamps and tail lights are free from damage too - the spotlights are all presentable with a little dullness noted on a couple of the units.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Completely original, the cabin presentation reflects the low mileage status of this charmed Mini.

Seats and Carpets

The optional Stone Beige full leather seats are in excellent condition with virtually no signs of wear.

The appealing red carpets are similarly intact, with no signs of dampness in the cabin.

Dashboard

The full-width wood fascia finishing is positive with light wear noted on the edges, but certainly not a distraction. All padding and switchgear are intact and fully operational. The bezels and instruments are in good order too.

The door cards and headlining are free from significant marks or damage.

The car comes fitted with a CD/Stereo player but the owner has retained its original tape player.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and standard gear lever are a positive complement to the overall high level of both originality and condition of the interior.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The John Cooper Works tuning makes the most of the A-Series' flexibility and torque.

Engine and Gearbox

The car was taken to John Cooper Works around a year after Paul bought it, and it was subject to a 90 bhp upgrade, which includes a stage 3 cylinder head, Janspeed manifold, stainless steel exhaust uprated fuel pressure regulator and full flow air box.

Please watch the On the Road video to see the car starting from cold - it hadn't been started for a while so took a little longer to get going, but once running it idled smoothly and ran well.

The SRS airbag light remained on during the duration, but Paul assured us that it has been like this for a while and suspected a faulty sensor.

The gear change and clutch were reported to be in good working order.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension set-up is naturally firm, but there were no immediate signs of knocking from the four corners of the car, as the ride absorbed the road undulation without too many problems.

The car braked evenly, with no drama or unnecessary noises.

The Drive

The car's performance is truly thrilling, while not unmanageable, the engine's responsiveness and direct gear changes were only matched by the car's grip and cornering. The owner has not experienced any issues with oil pressure or engine temperature and if any issues did come up, the car was taken to a trusted specialist immediately. The drive was refined, with no knocking heard, and the engine note was smooth too.

The full-length sunroof, combined with the plush cabin added up to a memorable experience in a car that has to be considered unique, thanks to the engine tuning, gleaming presentation and huge investment potential.

Electrics and Other

A new roof assembly was part of the car's overhaul in 2010, and its replacement unit is said to be arguably better than the original fitment.

There were no signs of water ingress.

Paul has also told us that a new battery has recently been fitted and a new catalytic converter in ~2020.

The car has been kept in dry storage for much of its life.

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History and Paperwork

Over £17,000 has been spent on the car since 2010, and yet it has only seen 5,000 miles of use since then.

As to be expected for a car that has been owned by the same family since new it comes with a pleasing body of invoices, covering the usual sundry items but also has a substantial £14,000 invoice from Somerford Mini in 2010, which covers a mechanical, interior and bodywork overhaul, including a replacement roof skin, roller rockers, rear subframe, gearbox rebuild and extensive bodywork renovation. Subsequent work, adding up to over £3,000 includes brake pads, a new starter motor and wiring, and a replacement catalytic convertor.

It comes with a batch of historical MOT invoices too and several invoices pertaining to servicing. The actual service book with stamps is in Paul's possession and will hopefully be found in time for the handover to the new owner. To confirm its fastidious maintenance by specialists, its most recent attention covers a service and a whole water pump kit carried out in April 2023. It also comes with an MOT to April 2024.

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
18-04-2023	Service	54,953
18-04-2023	MOT	54,953
21-12-2020	Service	54,946
21-12-2020	MOT	54,946
02-07-2019	MOT	54,920
03-07-2018	MOT	54,665
03-07-2017	Service	54,521
03-07-2017	MOT	54,521
02-07-2016	Service	54,477
02-07-2016	MOT	54,477
03-08-2015	Service	54,157
03-08-2015	MOT	54,157
18-06-2014	MOT	53,061
20-06-2013	MOT	52,784
26-06-2012	MOT	50,911
04-07-2011	Service	49,962
04-07-2011	MOT	49,962
10-06-2010	MOT	49,450
03-06-2010	Service	49,415
25-09-2007	MOT	49,265
29-09-2006	MOT	48,914

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Key Details

ModelMini Cooper Si
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date01-04-1997
CC1275
Mileage54,963
ColourVolcano Orange
Interior ColourStone Beige
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #SAXXNNAZEBD141056
Engine #12A2LK70350465
Last Service18-04-2023
RestoredPartially
MOTYes Exp 17-04-2024
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers0
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned26 years
Key Feature1 Owner Car
Auction ID1350

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All Images

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Vehicle Sold

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I WANT ONE

Ask Questions

Seller : EvPaul Sale Date 31.05.2023

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

8 Comments

Kulraj Salh

Admin

1 year ago

Auction Update – The seller EvPaul has removed the reserve on the auction, it is effectively selling with “No Reserve”, and will sell to the highest bid. Good luck if you’re involved in the bidding. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

aflegg

1 year ago

Great thanks, can I come about 6 tonight?

EvPaul

Seller

aflegg

1 year ago

Yes, that’s fine.

aflegg

EvPaul

1 year ago

Whereabouts in MK are you?

EvPaul

Seller

aflegg

1 year ago

Email me pj@mrpjevans.com and I’ll give you details.

EvPaul

Seller

1 year ago

Just to mention the Mini had a new cat fitted in 2020 and has just got a brand new battery. It’s got a new MOT with no advisories.

aflegg

1 year ago

Hi, I have placed a bid on this car and would like to view if possible Tues or Wed?

EvPaul

Seller

aflegg

1 year ago

Hi. Yes, that’s possible. I’m at home both days.

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Vehicle Location

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

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