1996 ROVER MINI COOPER - 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

This Rover Mini Cooper is a charming late-run example of the iconic British classic, which has been well cared-for by its current owner and is presented in very smart condition. It is powered by the 1,275cc fuel-injected inline-four – being the last year of the Mark VI SPi single-point injected cars – driving the front wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. The odometer displays 98,197km (61,017 miles) from new.

As the classic Mini neared the end of its 41 years or production, the company opted to send it off with a range of special edition models. First registered in Japan in August 1996, this right-hand-drive car commemorates the 35th year of production of the Mini Cooper and features unique decals and Japan-only Flame Red and White Diamond paintwork with a black leather interior.

Imported into the UK and registered with the DVLA in January 2018, the car’s log book shows just one prior keeper, which was the importing dealer. Its current owner has enjoyed it for the past two years, but is now offering the car for sale to another enthusiast.

While it is a fallacy that Japanese-market classic cars avoid the threat of rust, the bodywork of this Mini Cooper is in fantastic condition having spent its entire UK life garaged when not in use. As well as the lack of corrosion, the panel gaps are straight and even, with no signs of accident damage. There is a crack in the driver’s door’s window frame, close to the wing mirror, and two small dents just in front of the front driver-side wheel arch; however these are relatively minor issues.

Emphasising the car’s classic appeal, it is finished in Flame Red with a white roof and wing mirrors, which all present very well. There is only a small amount of age-related cosmetic wear, including some minor flaking on the interior door sills and around the fuel filler.

The white pinstripes down the car’s sides, as well as its Anniversary Edition decals, are in great shape, and the current owner has also added a pair of white stripes to the bonnet, which suit it well. It rides on the correct set of Minilite-style 12-inch alloy wheels, which are in good condition, with only a few minor nicks and scratches to their silver-painted surfaces.

The exterior trim and light lenses are all in good order, and the original orange-lensed front indicators and side repeaters have been replaced with clear items, creating a cleaner look. The black plastic roof gutter moulding is slightly scuffed on the passenger side, but otherwise this car’s exterior is very smart indeed.

Inside, the seats are trimmed in black leather with cream piping and have held up well over the years, with some general age-related wear and creasing but no significant splits or scratches to their upholstery. This is thanks in part to some stitching repair work which was carried out by Middlesbrough car importers The Car Warehouse, which also replaced the white headlining in April 2018.

Adding a touch of classic elegance, the dashboard is finished with a walnut veneer, which is fully intact, although there are some chips and cracks in the lacquer. Both the gear knob and steering wheel have been replaced with newer items, with the latter being a high-quality Moto-Lita part. The originals will also be included as part of the sale.

As a Japanese-market Mini, this Cooper features factory-fitted air conditioning, which is still fully functioning having been last recharged in March 2018, as well as its original Rover-branded Panasonic radio and cassette player. The seller describes all of the controls, switches and electrical items as having no known faults.

In fine mechanical condition, this Mini Cooper’s most recent maintenance was an oil service, which was carried out in August 2018 by specialist McDonald Minis of Wallyford, East Lothian. Prior to this, in March 2018 the gearbox was rebuilt with new first and second gear synchro rings, end differential bearing and new gaskets and seals by C&S Gearbox Repairs. The Car Warehouse also performed a winter service, including replacement of the engine oil and filter immediately prior to handover to its current owner. It has been dry stored out of use from 2019 to 2020, as evidenced by the 1km odometer increase between the MOT tests.

During the seller’s ownership, they have also replaced a number of items, including the car’s spark plugs, HT leads, ignition coil, distributor cap and rotor arm, throttle cable, front rubber suspension cones and the full set of locks.

While under the ownership of its only keeper in Japan, the car was fitted with an aftermarket air filter and exhaust, which is somewhat oversized and is prone to tapping the underside of the car while driving – so it may benefit from being replaced with a standard-sized system.

This Mini Cooper’s last MOT test was conducted on 31 January 2020 at 98,106km. After initially failing due to inoperative offside hazard warning lights, the issue was corrected and the car received a pass the same day, with only one advisory for play in the steering rack’s inner joints. Its tyres were fitted in January 2018 and have only covered around 5,000km since then – so remain in good condition with ample tread.

While the car’s life and service history in Japan is not on record, it will be accompanied by all of the receipts and invoices it has accrued since being shipped to the UK, as well as the original orange front indicator lenses, spare wheel and associated tools.

This 1996 Rover Mini Cooper is a smart and usable design icon, presented in clean, rust-free condition and with a number of limited-edition features. It has been greatly enjoyed by its current keeper, having fulfilled the Mini bucket list item of driving on the roof of Fiat’s Lingotto factory in Turin – as seen in ‘The Italian Job’ – and making a 1,300-mile trip from Scotland to Monaco. It is now ready for the next owner to get behind and wheel and embark on some adventures of their own.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Car Overview

  • 98,197 km (61,017 miles)
  • manual
  • RHD
  • Flame Red and White Diamond
  • Black leather
  • 1.3L inline-four


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01048
  • private Sale
  • Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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1996 ROVER MINI COOPER - 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION1996 ROVER MINI COOPER - 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION1996 ROVER MINI COOPER - 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION1996 ROVER MINI COOPER - 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION1996 ROVER MINI COOPER - 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION1996 ROVER MINI COOPER - 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION1996 ROVER MINI COOPER - 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION1996 ROVER MINI COOPER - 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
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