1996 ROVER MINI COOPER '35TH ANNIVERSARY'

This 1996 Rover Mini Cooper 35th Anniversary is a handsome, limited-edition example of the iconic classic, presented in smart overall condition and with low mileage from new. It is powered by the legendary 1275cc ‘A-Series’ inline-four, which is mated to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays just 73,400km (45,608 miles).

Created in 1996 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Mini Cooper, a total of 1,701 examples of the aptly-named model were built, with each one having Almond Green paintwork, a Diamond White roof, and a Porcelain Green interior (though a number of red cars were also produced for the Japanese market). Of that total, 1,200 cars were originally exported to Japan, with this being one such example.

This Mini Cooper was imported into the UK in 2016 and re-registered with the DVLA in May the same year. In the time since, it has had three keepers, with the seller acquiring the car approximately five months ago.

Today, the bodywork remains in good condition, with smooth, dent-free panels and no evidence of prior accident damage. While the vendor notes that the front subframe was corroded, this was repaired earlier this year, and the car is now structurally sound. Although it is not known whether the Almond Green body or Diamond White roof have been resprayed in the past, the paintwork is in great shape, with the only blemish of note being a small mark at the base of the rear drainage channel.

The exterior trim, including the polished front grille and headlamp bezels, presents very well. Its rear windows have been covered in a dark tint film, while wind deflectors have been fitted to the front side windows.This Mini Cooper rides on its original set of 12-inch Minilite-style alloy wheels, which feature some minor blemishes and kerb scratches and would benefit from refurbishment in due course.

Stepping inside, the seats are trimmed in Porcelain Green leather with Ivory piping and embossed ‘Cooper’ logos, while the steering wheel, gear knob and door cards are also clad in matching trim. Both of the front seats show some general signs of wear and creasing in line with the car’s age; however, there are no rips or tears to the upholstery. The matching door cards also feature various small blemishes to their surfaces, and the leather-wrapped gear knob is similarly worn, but this Cooper’s cabin is very smart overall.

In keeping with the car’s classic British heritage, the dashboard is clad in an attractive walnut wood veneer, which has split and faded in a few places, and the car’s plastic switch covers have discoloured slightly with age. Entertainment is provided by a more modern Kenwood stereo with USB connectivity, and this Japanese-market Mini is also equipped with an air-conditioning system. All of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items work as they should, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

Its most recent routine maintenance was carried out in February 2021 at 73,350km by Great Bedwyn Motor Company. As well as a general oil service, this also included replacement of the car’s steering rack gaiter.

This Mini’s last MOT test was conducted on 10 February 2021 at 73,350 km, which it passed after corrosion to the offside front subframe mounting area was repaired and the nearside steering rack gaiter was replaced, while an advisory was issued for the perishing of all four tyres – and these could benefit from being replaced in the future.

The car will be accompanied by its original Japanese handbooks, its correct tool kit including the factory jack, its spare wheel, and fitted personalised green indoor cover.

This 1996 Rover Mini Cooper 35th Anniversary is a rare limited edition of the iconic city car, which was imported from Japan in 2016 and has covered less than 1,000 miles since. Presented in good condition throughout and benefitting from a factory-fitted air-conditioning system, it will make a fine companion for weekend jaunts, but would be equally enjoyable as a diminutive daily driver.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.