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Mini Cooper RSP

Mileage: 477 Top Speed: 94 Year: 1990 0 - 60: 11.2 MOT Expiry: February 2014 BHP: 62 Tax Expiry: SORN Transmission: 5 Speed Manual Exterior Colour: Red Engine Capacity: 1275cc Interior Colour: Black leather and cloth Engine Configuration: Inline 4

Mini Cooper RSP | £13,995

Mileage: 477

Model History

The Mini, a British icon of the 1960s, a legend in its own right that influenced a generation of car manufacturers. The Mini was considered the British equivalent to its German contemporary the Volkswagen Beetle. It has earned its place in the history books and in 1999 was credited the second most influential car of the 20th Century behind the Ford Model T, not bad going for the little front wheel drive pocket rocket.

 

It was the compact design and space saving front wheel drive layout that allowed 80% of the cars floor plan to be used for passengers and luggage, they even put the door hinges on the outside to aid the simple compact design. This layout was a first for car manufacturers and introduced at a time when sales of large cars was on a rapid decline and small German bubble cars were booming. Production ranged from its introduction in 1959 until the final car rolled off the production line in 2000. An incredible 41 years of production that spawned many models of Mini targeting various different markets.

 

It was John Cooper, owner of the Cooper car company and designer and builder of Formula one and rally cars that saw potential for the Mini in competition. After a whole host of upgrades the Mini Cooper debuted in 1961 followed shortly after in 1963 by the Mini Cooper S which enjoyed victory in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 65 and 67.

 

After a few years without the Cooper in the range the RSP was introduced in 1990 to kick start Cooper sales again. Rover got John Cooper back in on a consultancy role to advice them of how the new Cooper should be kitted out, they decided on the 1275cc engine from the MG Metro and the interior out of the Mini 30. 1650 RSP Coopers were built, 600 going to overseas customers and the remaining 1050 staying in the UK. The RSP is well renowned as being one of the most collectible Mini's and one of the best investments.

 

The final Classic Minis rolled off the production line in 2000 before the Mini name reverted to BMWs ownership. By which time the range consisted of the Mini Classic Seven, The Mini Classic Cooper and the Mini Classic Cooper Sport. The final Mini was built on the 4th October 2000 by which time a total of 5,387,862 had been manufactured.

 

Check out our facebook page or youtube videos for some great early promo videos.

 

Equipment

Alloy wheels, Fog lights, Heated rear screen, Sunroof, Philips cassette player, Leather steering wheel.

Exterior

If you never got the chance of buying one of these cult cars when they were new, now is your chance. From the day of purchase this example has been carefully stored in a couple of different private collections. This careful storage has resulted in a car that's 23 years old but still looks just as clean and sharp as the day it rolled off the production line. All of the paint is original and unmarked, the chrome is perfect without the hint of any pitting and the rubber seals are unmarked and soft to the touch. It still has its original number plates and the John Cooper sticker on the rear screen. The underside of the car also looks new, it is still fully coated in the original protective lacquer and has obviously never seen a damp road.

Interior

Stepping inside this Mini is like going back in time to a Rover dealer in the 1990's. As you open the door you are greeted by that smell only new cars have, the leather on the seats is still perfectly soft and supple and the fabric unmarked. All of the parts you touch are as new, without the tiniest hint of wear on the steering wheel, gear knob or pedals. Mini's interiors are more basic and functional than luxurious. This one is equipped with its original Phillips radio and a set of black Cooper mats.

Engine & Transmission

Again the engine bay is like new and still has its original protective lacquer. Despite being kept in collections the car has had a limited amount of use to keep all the moving parts lubricated. Its was last serviced at 220 miles in February 2012. On arrival at 4 Star it has been fully inspected by our technician, the only points being raised were some perished steering rack gaiters and a brake fluid change, the car has also just passed its MOT test with no advisories.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The 12" mini-light alloy wheel are 100% perfect without the a mark and they are shod in the original Pirelli tyres. The brakes are all still original showing no signs of wear and the calipers are still covered in the original protective lacquer.

History File

This little Mini was first registered in October 1990 and left the Rover dealership to become part of a private collection, it has since changed hands between collectors but has never really been used other than some light exercise on dry roads to keep all the mechanical parts moving. The car had a fluid change service in February 2012 but this was not stamped in the book as the first service at 1,000 miles is not yet due!

 

Since coming to 4 Star it has been fully inspected and put through the MOT test so could be used on the road if desired.

 

The car comes with all its original owners manuals and service books neatly packed in the clear plastic document holder, both keys are also present and again look unused.