2001 Rover Mini Cooper Sport 500 |

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2001 Rover Mini Cooper Sport 500

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Sold Price

£24,910

Mileage~15,954
TransmissionManual
Engine1.3L
LocationPaddock Wood

SOLD

2001 Rover Mini Cooper Sport 500

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Alan Stuart

Vehicle Consigner & Photographer

Iconic, charming, fantastic fun and irresistible – It’s a Mini Cooper of course

A Mini makes everybody smile! Originally conceived to compete with “Bubble” cars and borne out of political crisis the Mini became established in the Nation's consciousness like no other car before or since. Perfectly meeting the needs of working people the Mini also represented a lifestyle choice for celebrities with the likes of Twiggy, John Lennon and Peter Sellers setting the trend. Successful beyond it’s designers wildest dreams the Mini proved itself immensely popular as everyday transport and highly successful in motorsport at the hands of Paddy Hopkirk among others.

This lovely example is a very special Mini. This is a one of only 500 built, Cooper Sport 500, as the final edition of the original Mini. In Cooper Spec with the iconic 1275cc ‘A’ series engine, 4 speed box and a 13 inch wheel on each corner it offers that classic Mini drive. The car presents in stunning condition, has covered fewer than ~16,000 miles, has good history, has a Stage 1 engine upgrade. It comes to auction from ~12 years of careful and diligent ownership.

This listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Jim 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

Simply wonderful! An exciting, exhilarating drive - real back to basics motoring and fantastic fun.

Jim loves Minis. Having owned two previously he was actually looking for something a bit different this time. He tells us “I have owned two minis previously and fancied a project car. We went to look around a Mini specialist garage, but instead of buying a project car, we ended up with this pretty much immaculate Cooper Sport 500!”. He goes on to say “Over the years I have kept on top of issues that have arisen, the main one being the replacement of the driver’s door skin which was more effective than a repair”.

In his ownership, he tells us “I have added a stage 1 tuning kit which entails an upgraded manifold and exhaust, an upgraded air filter and cold air dams. I also added an extra earth strap.” Jim now feels it’s time for another owner to enjoy the Mini “I have loved owning this car but I am not using it as much as I should, so I have reluctantly decided to sell it to allow someone else to enjoy it”. He will be happy to answer any questions about his car in the comments section below.

Jim

Vehicle Owner

Jim saved £4,320* when they
sold their Mini with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Wonderfully detailed in stunning British Racing Green and Anthracite there can be few examples of the Sport 500 this good

Wheels and Tyres

The 13 inch Minilite alloy wheels and centre caps present really well and appear in great condition with only the minor exception of a small indentation to the nearside front rim, Jim feels this could be addressed with a refurbishment.

The wheels are wearing 175/50R13 tyres which look in sound condition and have good tread remaining.

Bodywork

The bodywork on this car looks very sound with shut lines looking good all round. We could see no panel distortion or evidence of damage and the doors, boot and bonnet all close with reassuring precision. The paperwork confirms the offside door skin was replaced in 2021 at just under £1,500. Jim tells us he took this option rather than replace the door to keep the car as original as possible.

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 metallic "British Racing Green" and silver paint on this Mini is stunning. We struggled to find any scratches, dings, or other marks and the shine is deep, even, and consistent right across the car. Jim had detailing work carried out in 2016 and the results certainly speak for themselves.

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

Windscreen, rear and side windows all look in great condition with no sign of scratching, chips or other marks and mirrors all look good. Lights and lenses are clear and unbroken. The headlights have been upgraded and the clear lenses not only look fabulous but Jim tells us they provide excellent illumination too. The fog and driving lamps have also been upgraded to chrome units.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

High quality fittings and beautiful styling put a fitting modern twist on this classic interior.

Seats and Carpets

The black and grey leather seats present beautifully with few signs of use, entirely in keeping with the low mileage. Even the drivers seat bolster is largely unmarked, and the rear seat looks unused.

The black carpets also look great as do the door cards, interior trim, and alloy fittings.

Dashboard

The brushed aluminium dash is absolutely beautiful, looks in immaculate condition and suits the car perfectly. We could see no signs of marks or scratches.

The ivory coloured dials appeared clear with glass and bezels clean and undamaged. All switches are unbroken, and Jim advises everything functions exactly as it should. Please take the time to look at the hi resolution images and video of the interior so that you can assess the condition for yourself.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The black and grey, leather covered steering wheel is in great shape and the alloy gearstick knob looks amazing, perfectly complementing the rest of the interior.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

1275cc A Series engine, 4 Speed box and a wheel on each corner offer legendary ‘go kart’ handling.

Engine and Gearbox

The 1275 A Series, fuel injected, engine looks and sounds great. The engine bay is clean and tidy with no sign of leaks or obvious damage. The engine is coupled to a 4-speed gearbox delivering ~62BHP, mounted directly over the front wheels to give that magical ‘Mini’ combination of performance, handling and smiles.

This Mini has benefitted from Stage 1 engine upgrades, consisting of new inlet and exhaust manifolds, larger bore exhaust and K&N air filter. As you can hear from the ‘On the Road’ video the result is an intoxicating, yet unobtrusive combination of induction and exhaust notes – fantastic! Check out the “On the Road” video to see for yourself.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride is certain, surprisingly smooth, compliant, and fantastic fun – in true Mini style the ‘Wheel in each corner’ configuration offers great handling and engagement with both the engineering and the road.

The classic Mini set up of discs up front and drums on the rear appear more than capable of stopping this car when needed.

The Drive

Well, it’s a Mini! And with fewer than ~16,000 miles on the clock it drives pretty much like a new car. Steering is certain, suspension is firm and compliant, the ride is sporting, yet comfortable and it sounds amazing. Everything appeared to work exactly as it should.

There’s nothing quite like being in a Mini and in this Cooper, we really didn’t want the fun to stop.

Electrics and Other

Minis are meant to be uncomplicated. Electrics are straightforward and all switchgear, dials and gauges appear undamaged, and Jim assures us everything works exactly as you would expect. The car is equipped with an immobiliser and an aftermarket Kenwood audio system as pictured.

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History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~12 year ownership, this 1 of 500 Cooper Sport is presented in excellent condition and a low mileage recorded, quite the collectors catch.

Everyone should own a Mini at least once! These cars are fantastic fun, easy to maintain and represent a major part of British motoring history. Not only are they great to own but over recent years have proved a highly sound investment. Being no 240 of the last 500 made in the classic Mini shape this car was collectable the day it left the Cowley factory. The fact that it is in such great shape and has covered fewer than ~16,000 miles makes it a very special car.

The car comes with the highly appropriate personalised registration M500 JLL, original handbook and plenty of receipts demonstrating thoughtful and careful ownership. The have been some sensitive and sensible upgrades and all original parts will come with the car.

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
07.10.2022	MOT	15,885
14.10.2021	MOT	15,278
06.10.2020	MOT	14,901
14.10.2019	MOT	14,451
26.09.2018	MOT	14,019
12.10.2017	MOT	13,836
18.10.2016	MOT	13,362
02.09.2016	Visual Health Check	13,211
20.10.2015	MOT	12,624
15.09.2014	MOT	11,895
16.09.2013	MOT	11,048
31.07.2013	SERVICE	10,781
24.09.2012	MOT	9,455
27.09.2011	MOT	7,218
08.06.2009	MOT	3,908
10.06.2008	MOT	1,342
28.06.2007	MOT	698
21.06.2007	MOT	695
06.07.2004	SERVICE	388
07.02.2003	SERVICE	222

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Key Details

ModelMini Cooper Sport 500
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date29.03.2001
CC1,275
Mileage~15,954
HistoryGood
ColourBritish Racing Green Metallic & Anthracite
Interior ColourBlack and Grey
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #SAXXNPAZE10188240
Engine #12A2LK70394758
Last Service02.09.2016
MOTExpires 19.10.2023
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
Former KeepersYes
Tyre TreadGood
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~12 Years
Key Feature1 of 500, condition and low mileage
Auction ID1276

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Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : JimL Sale Date 26.04.2023

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

8 Comments

Kulraj Salh

Admin

1 year ago

Auction Update – The reserve on this auction has been removed. This car is now selling at “No Reserve” and will sell to the highest bid. Good luck if you’re involved in the bidding. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

JimL

Seller

1 year ago

Just checked, it is 62hp.

JimL

Seller

1 year ago

No idea.

Pasha001

1 year ago

Hi, why does it say 62bhp ? I thought the sport version had 85bhp

JimL

Seller

1 year ago

Yes it does.

jonrog

1 year ago

Hi does it come with original certificate and gift pack? Thanks

cardinal27

1 year ago

Do you have the original air box, rocker cover and stereo?
Any oil leaks, overheating issues or synchro issues/crunches on the gearbox?

JimL

Seller

cardinal27

1 year ago

Sorry for the delay, had trouble with getting to the reply box. All original parts kept, no issues at all with the car.

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Vehicle Location

Paddock Wood

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