Our Retirement Sale: Emptying Our Personal Toy Box
We announced our retirement sale a few months ago and we have to thank everyone for all of your support, every message and call and of course for buying our entire stock at the time. We are now preparing to sell one final batch of Mini’s and that batch includes Mini’s that we were intending to keep as toys or investments. That being said me and my girlfriend have decided it's time to run away into the sunset, empty the toy box and buy a small sailing boat in the Mediteranean and so they will all be listed this week :).
As usual, we are happy to personally deliver Mini’s anywhere in the UK at £0.85 per mile (return journey), work with overseas purchasers (deliver to the port / we recommend Hill Shipping as agents) and chat for hours totally off subject (our speciality) but also give helpful to the point advice where possible even if it’s not about our cars. Call me anytime, email or instagram us by using the following link www.gbminigarage.com.
1997 Rover Mini Cooper Sportspack (Genuine) 1.3 MPI with 67,000 Miles - From My Own Collection
If you would like to see a walkaround video and many more photographs please use the following link www.gbminigarage.com/ldy
This is a beautiful example of the ultimate 1997 Rover Mini Cooper Sportspack (genuine) 1.3 MPI with just 67,000 genuine miles . The final ultimate Cooper Sportspack is the one to own or collect as it has a lot more power and reliability, it's safer and more luxurious than any earlier model. She is presented in one of the most sought after colour combinations; metallic Tahiti Blue x Diamond White which was unique to the this ultimate generation of Mini's.
She has been owned and cared for by an elderly lady throughout the past seven years, maintained to a very high standard and used primarily for visiting farming shows. Age led her to sell her to myself for my own collection. I have spent a fortune on the final renovations; lots of shiny new chromework, new chrome thirteen inch Supalite alloys, a brand new burrwood dash etc etc. Supplied with a recent MOT with no advisories, a HPI clear certificate and a full engine and brake service; she is ready to enjoy and just beautiful.
The Ultimate Model
Why were these models so awesome? Broadly five reasons...
(a) Power
Power is increased to 63hp which is 61% more power than 1000cc models and 13-15% more powerful than the earlier 1275cc models (they used an uprated earlier Cooper engine). With that power and a revised gearbox ratio and extra sound deadening motorways are easier, quieter and more comfortable and general driving more exciting. With a Sportspack kitted out Mini like this handling is improved (more grip).
(b) Reliability
Reliability is increased significantly due to the introduction of modern fuel injection, modern distributor-less ignition technology and an improved alternator (all common failures on a Mini).
(c) Safety
Safety is improved, being the only Mini model to have a drivers air bag, door safety crash beams and more modern seatbelts. When my little sister wants to borrow a Mini, it has to be an MPI.
(d) Luxury
They are also much more luxurious all round with more attention paid to all the small details, a more comfortable interior and more sound deadening.
(e) Emissions
Emissions are improved with fuel injection and the introduction of a catalytic converter.
Condition Notes
This is a beautiful example. If I was to be finicky the only notes I would make would be that she seems a bit lower on the front because when she was restored the Sportspack arches were fitted lower (inch gap between the side repeater and the arch, rather than being cushioned up against each other) but I like the look and it's far from catching the tyre. If this annoyed you they could be raised. Her clutch is probably at the half way wear mark if you were picky but again just not worth replacement. It's a lovely example, you will love it, I'm just trying to be picky.