1999 Rover Mini MPI Sportspack |

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1999 Rover Mini MPI Sportspack

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

Sold Price

£8,480

Mileage~30,558
TransmissionManual
Engine1.3L
LocationHenley-on-Thames

SOLD

1999 Rover Mini MPI Sportspack

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

A stunning example of a desirable Sportspack Rover Mini, with a twist of taste.

There's not much that can be added to an introduction regarding the original Mini, so we'll jump straight into the latter stages of the history of the iconic car. It was one of two final-run variants; the 1.3i was the more opulent and a restrained version of the two, with the racing-inspired Cooper typically taking centre stage. Known as the MK7, Rover had been busy and gave the 1275cc a Multi-Point Injection system, an uprated alternator and differential and added an electronic management system. Rarer than its boisterous cousin, the model sold in far fewer numbers than the Cooper, making it a far rare sight today.

With just three owners under its belt, the car has only covered ~30,558 over its 23 year lifetime, and comes with decent service history and its original sales invoice. It was subjected to a recent stripdown, repaint and interior refit, so it goes without saying that this unique example of a 1.3i with the optional Sportspack goodies, tasteful finishing and evocative Surf Blue paint deserves a closer look.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Alan 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 ready to run straight out the box, it's a nippy little thing with the wider track and Sportspack features.

Alan is well versed in buying cars, with an impressive history of obtaining classics over the years, but his area of expertise is based around the original BMC/Rover Mini. Having owned many examples over the years, it would be safe to say that he knows these cars inside out and went about personally restoring this car using his years of experience and know-how.

The car has not seen much use since he has restored it and as part of a collection consolidation, has decided to part with the car as he balances other projects. Alan will be more than happy to answer your questions abut the car in the comments below.

Alan

Vehicle Owner

Alan saved £1,440* when they
sold their Mini with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Recently revitalised, this beautifully prepared example will not fail to turn heads!

Wheels and Tyres

The JWL inscribed alloys are all original 13" Rover Minilite-style items, correct for a Sportspack model. They do show signs of light scrapes but are still presentable. The Rotalla tyres all date from 2020 and therefore do not pose any issues with thread or significant wear.

View the image gallery to get a closer look.

Bodywork

This restored example is remarkably solid, with the underside looking very clean and with no issues noted on the engine bay, floor pan, boot floor, sills or subframes. All doors open and close with ease, with the panels matching up and fitting flush. There are a handful of minor corrosion marks noticed near the offside lower A-post, but the car is generally free from any significant areas of note and it displays no dents or signs of careless use.

Much of the front panels have been replaced by heritage parts including the scuttle, bonnet and front panel. Other parts that have been renewed include the front wings, A-posts, rear valance and outer sills.

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

Paint

The car was subject to a complete respray less than three years ago. It retains its original white roof paint and is now matched up to an authentic Surf Blue, which was a colour option for the MPI when new. The body lustre is decent throughout, with a smooth even finish with a handful of minor marks in places but mostly free of stone chips. The arches show signs of minor paint blisters but only upon close inspection. There are a few mottled paint marks in places but no paint runs were spotted.

Again, 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 is good throughout with no chips or scratches, all have a good seal with decent rubber.

Alan has been discreet with the chrome trim fittings, managing to find a good balance. All of the fittings are in good condition, with extra door handle plates acting as a neat finishing touch. The chrome fittings, such as the grill and embellishments are in good condition, with the bumpers all dent free but displaying a slightly matted finish in places.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior has been completely overhauled and the results complement the exterior beautifully.

Seats and Carpets

The interior has been subject to a complete overhaul and has been fitted with a set of tasteful "Newton Commercial" powder blue and brocade seats. All are in excellent shape, with firm cushions and no suggestions of wear.

All of the door cards are in very good condition and are complemented with wooden finishings. The carpets were also replaced with a new full set and show no damage or wear. All are dry with no suggestions of heavy use. The headlining is presented in excellent condition. Please take a look at the extensive media for a detailed view of the cabin.

Dashboard

The car has also seen an upgraded colour-coded MDF dashboard, which houses an oil temperature gauge, radio/cassette, voltmeter and clock, and all are operational. The area around the glovebox shows minor damage but still opens and closes.

The padding on the top of the facia is unmarked with the rest of the controls and switches are in line with a car of this mileage. The instrument binnacle is in good condition, with no issues with the dials although the owner has pointed out that the rev-counter will need investigation.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The padded steering wheel is in good shape, with no significant issues. There are lights scuffs noted on the plastic fairing mounted on the column and the gear knob veneer has very light cracking to its enamel.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

With not much more than ~30,000 on the clock, the engine still runs sweetly in this MPI Mini.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up with no hesitation, after a moderately cold night in the open. Once fired up, the engine found its beat and ran well. As Alan blipped the throttle, the engine remained stable and rumble-free. He also confirmed that the engine has not needed much work but he has carried out a service for good measure. Once the condensation smoke cleared, the stainless steel exhaust didn't emit excessive smoke and suggested no evidence of a neglected engine.

The owner has also pointed out that the gear changes are easy to select with the ever-present character whine. He has been careful not to drop/skip gears when in use. Watch the video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The Mini ride is typically unique and is very much part of its character, with a typical bouncy but firm ride. The car drives true, with no pulling to one side and on the day of the test drive no evidence of knocking.

The brakes were tested to be very effective, bringing the car to a halt with no issues. The steering was direct with no unwanted noises.

The Drive

A lesson in regression, the Mini experience is still a thrill and one that very few cars can match. It jumps around with charm and cheekiness. This late example of the Rover Mini benefits from an upgraded differential ratio set up, which allows the car to cruise at 60MPH at around 3000RPM, which makes it a far less frantic experience than the earlier examples.

The added comfort of the custom seats, along with a little more soundproofing material, along with the opulent fittings presents this Sportspack Mini as one of the more desirable options for those looking for a usable classic.

Electrics and Other

Alan has done his best to retain the original spec, with a handful of neat subtle touches that do not detract from the originality. With no recorded issues with the electrics, the car could be brought up to perfection with very little effort.

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History and Paperwork

With just 3 owners from new, renovation under the current ownership and coming with a pleasing amount of history and stamps too, this MPI Sportspack Mini makes for a great proposition.

The car comes with a good body of provenance, with the car retaining its original sales invoice from the Welptons Rover dealer in Hull. In addition, the car comes with its original owner's wallet, which also contains its dealer warranty, hand and service book.

The dealer and specialist stamps, along with a handful of MOT's confirm the low recorded mileage. It is believed that the car stayed with its first owner up to 2005. This is confirmed by local dealer stamps up to 20,757 miles by which time it was on its second owner, a Mini enthusiasts from the London area. It was subjected to a few minor interior changes, which is a typical trait for Minis. It was taken off the road in 2014 and placed in storage. Alan, the current owner took the car on in 2019, as the previous owner had never got around to sorting out the issues. He stripped the car down to an empty shell and diligently went about bringing it back to life again.

This lovely Mini comes with an MOT to October 2022, two key fobs, its original jack cover and has been subjected to an HPI check.

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
27-10-2021	MOT	30,554
08-10-2013	MOT	30,551
08-10-2012	MOT	30,424
17-10-2011	MOT	29,431
14-10-2010	MOT	28,329
07-10-2009	MOT	27,223
09-10-2008	MOT	25,559
03-10-2007	MOT	23,726
04-10-2006	MOT	21,870
20-10-2005	Service	20,757
07-09-2004	MOT	17,321
09-09-2003	Service	14,411
03-09-2002	Service	10,475
11-09-2001	Service	7,077
07-09-2000	Service	3,712
09-03-2000	Service	1,909
12-11-1999	Service	1,025

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Key Details

ModelMini MPI Sportspack
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date01-09-1999
CC1,275
Mileage~30,558
HistoryYes
ColourSurf Blue
Interior ColourBlue and beige
Interior TrimBrocade / Vinyl
Chassis #SAXXNWAZEYD176607
Engine #12A2LK70 388275
RestoredYes
Engine RebuildNo
MOT26-10-2022
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers3
Tyre BrandRotalla
Tyre Age2020
Security SysImmobiliser
Master KeyYes
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~3 years
Key FeatureFully restored interior and exterior

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Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : A1275 Sale Date 15.02.2022

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

4 Comments

A1275

Seller

2 years ago

Hi, the doors, bonnet,boot and wheel arches were all sprayed and mopped off of the car hence I think the very slight shade difference to the body.
As I have not owned the car from new I cannot comment re. the Sportspack save to say it has the correct 6 clock dash of a Sportspack rather than the 4 clock dash of the 12″wheel Mini. Hope that helps.

cardinal27

2 years ago

The wheel arches also look a different shade in some of the photos – please can you confirm that also?

amj

2 years ago

Hi Alan
Please can you confirm if the paint shade on the doors, match the body – in the pics, it looks like there is a difference but it could just be the light?
Thanks
Andy

cardinal27

2 years ago

Is this a Rover Mini or Rover Mini Cooper? The V5 logbook suggests that it is a Rover Mini, though the ‘Sportspack’ factory option is commonly seen on Coopers. Did the vehicle come with ‘Sportspack’ from the factory or are the Rallye-style fog and spot lamps, 13-inch wheels and flared arches merely later additions? I note that there was no mention of ‘Sportspack’ when the car recently featured in Barons auctions, hence my questions.

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Vehicle Location

Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

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