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1996 Rover Mini Equinox

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

7,420

  • Mileage~53,620
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.3L
  • LocationGrantham

SOLD

1996 Rover Mini Equinox

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Introduction

Josh Sharples
Vehicle Consigner and Photographer

Fantastic looks, great handling and unmatched drivability – some cars steal your heart, a Mini owns it

The Mini need’s little introduction. The iconic brainchild of designer Alec Issigonis, these wonderful little cars were first introduced to the world in 1959. An initially hesitant public soon fell completely in love with the Mini and it became one of the most recognisable, best-selling models in history.

Given the Mini’s familiarity it’s easy to forget just how innovative the design was. Transverse engine configuration and front wheel drive with the engine located directly over the gearbox were virtually unheard of 6 decades ago when the car was launched. Instantly, the super cute looks made the Mini’s contemporaries look stuffy and old fashioned - add to that fantastic handling and it’s easy to see why the Mini is such a legend.

This lovely, 1996 car is wonderfully original still in its full Equinox trim. It’s had one lady owner since new, has covered fewer than ~54,000 miles and has loads of service history. With it’s 1,275cc, fuel injected engine this fantastic little car offers all the thrills that have kept the nation smiling for over 60 years – this is one not to miss!

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Josh after meeting David the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

This is a great little car – the Equinox models are getting rare now and to find one as original as this is pretty unusual.

David is a trade seller and really does know his Mini’s. “This Mini is quite special – it’s still in original Equinox trim including the decals. Absolutely nothing has been modified”.

He goes on to say “With one lady owner from new, fewer than ~54,000 miles on the clock and an extensive service history this car is an absolute gem. Being a specialist dealer, we see plenty of Minis – this one starts well and drives fantastically. It’s the real deal”.

David concludes “The Equinox is a limited edition and only 750 were made – we believe this super little car will make a very sound investment for the next owner”. He will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

David
Vehicle Owner

David saved £1,260* when they
sold their Mini with us.

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Exterior

The Mini somehow never grows old – the timeless shape looks fantastic in Platinum Silver with superb chrome trim.

Wheels and Tyres

This Mini benefits from the larger 12-inch pressed steel wheels. The wheels and trims appear in good condition with only a few age-related marks and no sign of major damage.

The wheels are fitted with Federal 145/70/R12 tyres all round. David has confirmed that two new tyres will be fitted on the front before the car goes to its new owner.

Bodywork

The car stands straight, the panel fit looks good and we could see no sign of distortion in the panels. Doors, bonnet and boot all open and close precisely, this is a car that has been well looked after.

There is some minor bubbling in places which is to be expected on an original Mini like this, the points to note being; a small area on the offside seam, around the indicator side lens on the offside, and on the top of the sill/below the offside door. View the image gallery and video to see the detail.

Paint

The "Platinum Silver" metallic paint looks even and consistent right across the car and still retains a deep lustre. There are a few marks here and there as you would expect but overall, the finish looks great and in line for a car that's been with the same owner from new. Take a look at the images and exterior video to judge for yourself.

Glass and Trim

Windscreen, side windows, lenses and mirrors all look clear and undamaged. Trim is in good shape and the chrome still looks great. There is a very minor indentation in the front bumper, and a similar area on the back, but you’d really have to search to find it.

Interior

As charming as it is simple. the cabin looks great in virtually unmarked, black and purple equinox trim.

Seats and Carpets

The pretty, black and purple, patterned cloth seats appear in excellent condition with hardly any signs of wear. Even the drivers seat bolster looks virtually unused.

The carpets are very sound and the headlining and remaining interior trim look in equally good shape, the patterned cloth flowing through on to the door cards etc.

Dashboard

Black dashboard is up to the standard of the rest of the car – dials are clear, perspex is unmarked and vinyl covering appears undamaged.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Steering wheel and gearstick are showing very few signs of wear. All switches, buttons and gauges appear unbroken, and we understand everything works exactly as it should.

Mechanics

The 1275 A Series engine, front wheel drive and a wheel on each corner – a winning combination that helped to make the Mini a motorsport superstar.

Engine and Gearbox

The A series engine is a legend in itself. Revvy, flexible and responsive the fuel injected, ~53BHP unit takes this car to a factory specified 88MPH.

On our "Cold start" the engine fired up straight away, settled down to a steady idle and emissions appeared clear. It sounded wonderful too! We took it out with David on a short drive, going through the gears with ease.

Suspension and Brakes

This model is equipped with discs on the front and drums on the rear. On our brief test drive the car stopped well, in a straight line and with no hesitation or judder. Rubber cone suspension felt firm and surefooted.

The Drive

Well, it’s a Mini – the drive is guaranteed to make you smile and it certainly worked for us. The car pulled well and handled superbly. Steering seemed precise, gear changes were certain with no hesitation and the A series engine was lively and responsive.

Electrics and Other

Electrics are straightforward and simple on these cars – all part of the charm. The car is equipped with radio/cassette player and David assures us everything works exactly as it should.

History and Paperwork

Great history, low mileage and one owner - this is an opportunity to own a lovely example of Britain’s motoring heritage and have enormous fun at the same time.

A legend on so many fronts – in motorsport in the hands of Paddy Hopkirk, in celebrity circles with Peter Sellers, John Lennon or Twiggy at the wheel or with the buying public. Owning a Mini at least once should probably be the law.

And what a lovely example this is. Rare Equinox limited edition, low mileage, extensive service history and one lady owner. Difficult to beat really.

The car will come with a fresh MOT and two new tyres on the front.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
10.08.2021 MOT 53,366
17.08.2020 MOT 53,110
02.08.2019 MOT 52,602
19.07.2019 MOT 52,503
10.07.2018 MOT 51,277
06.07.2016 MOT 49,213
20.07.2015 SERVICE 48,258
14.07.2014 SERVICE 46,822
29.07.2013 SERVICE 45,597
23.07.2012 SERVICE 44,240
21.07.2011 SERVICE 42,682
20.07.2010 SERVICE 41,208
23.07.2009 SERVICE 39,761
25.07.2008 SERVICE 37,759
25.07.2007 SERVICE 34,322
25.07.2006 SERVICE 32,022
26.07.2005 SERVICE 29,820
28.07.2004 SERVICE 27,218
23.07.2003 SERVICE 24,896
22.02.2002 SERVICE 21,675
26.07.2001 SERVICE 18,095
24.07.2000 SERVICE 11,406
26.07.1999 SERVICE 10,968
29.07.1998 SERVICE 7,108
14.07.1997 SERVICE 3,460
Key Details
  • ModelMini Equinox
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.08.1996
  • CC1,275
  • Mileage~53,620
  • HistoryExcellent
  • ColourPlatinum Silver
  • Interior ColourBlack & Purple
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #SAXXNYAXBBD132268
  • Engine #12A2DJ01341120
  • Matching #sYes
  • RestoredNo
  • Engine RebuildNo
  • MOTNew MOT
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers0
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypeTrade (No Warranty)
  • Owned26 years - From new
  • Key FeatureLow mileage, one owner from new
  • Auction ID436700







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Vehicle Location

Grantham

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