2001 Rover Mini Cooper Sport (Genuine Cooper Sport) - One of the Last Registerred Examples 

This is very rare example of the final, range topping, 2001 Rover Mini Cooper Sport with 60k genuine miles and 5 previous keepers that has been owned for 7 years. This Cooper Sport is one of the last ever classic Mini’s registered after production ceased. She was registered on the 30th of March 2001 after production ended in October 2000. Being such a late registration she has a rare "Y" registration. Finished in the unique colour combination of Metallic Anthracite reserved for the Cooper Sport only, this is a dark metallic blue in one light and dark metallic black in another.

The Rover Mini Cooper Sport has been described by various well reputed authors as “The Range Topper” of the final production Mini’s which were themselves described as “The Ultimate Mini’s Models” (produced between 1996-2000). These final models were described a “The Ultimate Mini’’s” because they were significantly more powerful, reliable, safer, fuel efficient, greener and luxurious than all other factory production models.

1. The Mini Cooper Sport (Why it Was So Special)

In April 2000 Longbridge released four final special classic Mini editions to end production in style (similar to the final Defender collector editions). Of those special editions the Mini Cooper Sport was described as the “range topper”. It topped the range and was striking both inside and out. Inside it featured its own special luxury quality black and silver leather interior, steering wheel and aluminium finished dash as well as alloy door handles, rear brake light and leather dash topper (opposed to Vinyl or plastic).  Outside it proudly wore the Sportspack and the Cooper Sport special silver roof and stripes.

Production of The Mini Cooper Sport ended in October 2000, however this example was not registered until 30 March 2001 and therefore it is a very rare "Y" registration Cooper Sport, opposed to most Sports which have an "X" registration.

2. The Final Evolution of Classic Mini (1996-2000) - The Ultimate Base Spec

Several well reputed authors describe the final Mini model which was manufactured between 1996 and 2000 and on which the Mini Cooper Sport is based as “The Ultimate Mini”.  To create something special Rover embarked upon what they described as “the most radical package of improvements for 36 years [since the Mini’s launch in 1959]”. Those improvements made this final model the most; powerful, reliable, safe, useable, fuel efficient, low emisions and luxurious factory production Mini model ever created. We have collated various factory records below to explain the standard basic factory spec of these final models (on which the Cooper, Cooper Sportspack and Cooper Sport expands (described above):

A. The Most Powerful 

Taking the special and iconic earlier “Cooper” 1275cc engine and refining it with improvements including new multi-point injection and dual spark technology, this would be the most powerful and reliable general factory production engine of the Mini Marque. By more powerful we are referring to the fact that she has approximately 64% higher power than the standard 1000cc, 26% more power than the standard 1275cc carburettor engines and 18% more power than the standard 1275cc single point injection engines.

B. The Most Reliable 

Being significantly more reliable for several reasons, this was a Mini that you could rely on. The primary Improvements included but were not limited to:

(a) Upgrading the less reliable old fashioned carburettor, manual choke and distributor system with modern sequential fuel injection, dual spark technology and automatic choke to significantly reduce breakdowns.

(b) Upgrading the previously underpowered alternator’s (power generator) amps by 44% to 65 Amps, upgrading its ancillary belts and providing an Amp gauge, power generation was increased significantly and the risk of a flat battery reduced.

(c) Upgrading the old style radiator to a new aluminium cooling system and electronic fan reduced the risk of overheating.

C. The Safest 

Being the only model to incorporate a drivers airbag, strengthened steering column and safety crash beams within the doors as well as seat-belt pyrotechnic pretensions, standardised rear seat belts and an immobiliser, she is the safest Mini.

D. The Most Usable 

These Mini’s were designed for everyday modern use both around the city and on the motorway. To achieve this several upgrades were made:

(a) A newly enhanced torque curve allowed the utilisation of a higher final-drive ratio (2.76:1) providing much more comfortable fast-road and motorway driving and made it "almost possible" to reach 90mph in 3rd gear allowing much easier acceleration;

(b) Upgrading the Mini with a significant amount of new sound deadening and a revised mechanical layout, cabin noise was significantly reduced for a more comfortable motorway experience (motorways were noisy in earlier models); and

(c) Most importantly, Rover described the Mini as essentially heading up market and set-upon significantly improving the quality of every item. The interior was very comfortable, made of high quality materials and featured various extras and the purchase price was ramped up.

E. The Most Fuel Efficient & Lowest Emissions

Improving fuel efficiency with the new fuel injection technology and an upgraded catalytic converter, emissions were reduced.

3. Mileage

Covering a genuine 60k miles from new, she is a low mileage example averaging 2.8k miles per year and accordingly is largely unworn.

4. Ownership History

Owning her for 7 years and having just 5 previous keepers, she has low owners.

5. Driving Her

Driving exceptionally, she combines much more power with 750 kg of weight and that rally winning Mini handling to provide terrific and or terrifying fun. The only thing we would be critical of is that if you are driving too fast and you switch down from 3rd to 2nd there is sometimes a faint noise, but only a faint noise and only if you are going too fast. This may imply some synchromesh wear.

6. Ready to Enjoy

Supplied fully serviced (new NGK Spark Plugs, Silicone HT Leads, Millers Classic Mini Oil & Filter etc.) with 12 months MOT and no advisories (will arrange as soon as the garages open after Christmas), she is ready to enjoy.

7. Condition

Being generally in great condition throughout, she has few signs of age. Having lived a life like all classic cars she's not concourse, but she has been well looked after.
 
To see extra photos and a video then do please use the following link https://www.gbminigarage.co.uk/rld