1998 ROVER MINI COOPER 1.3I MPI

KEY FACTS

• A smart and relatively low-mileage example of the iconic city car, with a comprehensive service history.
• This Cooper benefits from the more powerful 1.3-litre MPi injection engine, producing 63bhp and powering the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
• With production of the original Mini shape having ended in 2000, this 1998 Cooper is a late model of the timeless compact classic.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The car is finished in the vibrant hue of Flame Red with a white roof, door mirror covers and bonnet stripes, over a black leather-trimmed cabin complete with cream leather accents on the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and seat stitching, as well as a period-appropriate wood veneer dashboard and gear knob.
• The factory specification includes a Webasto electric sunroof, an alarm and immobliser system, and ‘Sports Pack’ wheel arches with original 13-inch ‘Minilite’ alloy wheels.
• This is a highly original example, with its only modifications being the addition of a more modern Kenwood stereo and a Pioneer six-CD multichanger.
• Included in the sale is the original owner’s book pack, the car’s service book (which is stamped up to 2013), printed service paperwork from 2014 onwards, a Haynes manual, two sets of keys and fobs, the original spare wheel and a suspension cone compressor.

CONDITION

• There is no known bodywork damage. The vendor states that the front inner wings were replaced in 2012, and new subframes were fitted in 2016.
• The Flame Red paintwork presents very well overall, with a few stone chips to the bonnet, small dents on the front and rear bumpers, a light scratch on the boot lid and some slight bubbling below the nearside front headlight and beside the sunroof. There is also some slight bubbling at the top of one door, as shown in the photographs.
• The alloy wheels are in good shape overall, but feature some minor blemishes, and would benefit from being refurbished in due course.
• Moving inside, the cabin is in good condition and is believed to be fully original. There are a few imperfections commensurate with the vehicle’s age, a couple of small holes and slight discolouration to the headlining, and some modest signs of use on the wood-veneer dashboard.
• The car is in good working order, with no known electrical faults.
• The most recent MOT test was conducted in April 2021 at 68,928 miles, when the car passed first time with repairs suggested to the offside front upper suspension arm ball joint and the nearside registration plate lamp.
• Advisories noted corrosion on the nearside rear fuel pipe and at corner of the offside front sill, a slight oil leak, slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint and nearside front inner track rod end ball joint, a non-functioning front fog light and a missing seatbelt cover in the offside front.
• The seller has since replaced the seatbelt buckle, front ball joints and steering rack gaiters, as well as corrected surface rust at the front of the sill, which has been stripped back, treated, sealed and painted.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The car was last serviced in April 2021 at 69,920 miles by Witmun Engineering, who performed an engine oil and filter change.
• Prior to this, the engine oil and filter were changed in March 2020. In May 2019, the spark plugs, alternator belt, engine oil and filter were renewed, and the coolant expansion tank was replaced with an original Rover unit.
• The rear suspension cones and shock absorbers were replaced in May 2021, and the electric roof mechanism was repaired with new cables, latches and hinges in August 2021. The rear brake drums have also been refurbished.

Dates and Mileages:

• Apr 2021 – 69,928 miles
• Mar 2020 – 69,799 miles
• May 2019 – 69,280 miles
• Aug 2018 – 68,840 miles
• Apr 2016 – 68,740 miles
• Jun 2015 – 68,638 miles
• Apr 2014 – 68,516 miles
• May 2013 – 66,843 miles
• Jun 2012 – 64,189 miles
• Jun 2011 – 61,257 miles
• May 2010 – 58,118 miles
• May 2009 – 50,130 miles
• Feb 2007 – 47,653 miles
• May 2005 – 44,097 miles
• Apr 2004 – 41,096 miles
• May 2003 – 37,245 miles
• Mar 2002 – 26,546 miles
• Apr 2001 – 20,442 miles
• Aug 2000 – 16,786 miles
• Aug 1999 – 9,915 miles
• Mar 1999 – 7,004 miles

SUMMARY

A global icon, the classic Mini Cooper is a charming and versatile city car. Benefitting from a detailed service history and some light cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment, this late-production example is offered in impressive, usable condition, and would make for a delightful companion on sunny weekend drives. 

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.