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Curated Auction

RESERVE MET – 1999 Rover Mini Cooper Sportpack

At a Glance

Low Mileage | Excellent Presentation | Recent Cosmetic Overhaul | Structurally and Mechanically Sound | Keen Reserve

  • Mileage~36,976 on clock
  • Transmission4-speed manual
  • Engine1.3-litre
  • LocationBrackley

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more


Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£8,001
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£8,001

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

The legendary classic, evolved for modern roads.

The classic Mini was born out of the post-Suez crisis necessity to create an ultra-efficient, affordable motor car. It ultimately revolutionised automotive design, transforming into a globally beloved cultural icon and motorsport giant that defined the British road landscape throughout the 1960s and 70s. By the late 80s, the model was successfully repositioned as a retro fashion statement, complete with the revival of the iconic Cooper name and a variety of evocative special editions.

Faced with tightening European emissions and safety regulations, many assumed the classic Mini’s days were numbered. Instead, in late 1996, Rover launched its final and most refined evolution: the Multi-Point Injection (MPi) Mini. The legendary A-Series engine was modernised with electronic fuel injection, an updated engine management unit, and a front-mounted radiator with an electric cooling fan. Crucially, driver safety was upgraded to include a steering wheel airbag, side-impact door bars, and seatbelt pretensioners, while a taller final-drive ratio made high-speed cruising significantly quieter and more relaxed.

By the end of production, especially when specified with the muscular, wide-arched Sportspack option, the Mini had fully embraced its luxury role, boasting plush leather upholstery, turned-aluminium dashboards, and classic chrome gauges.

Coming from over ~15 years with our vendor, this cleanly presented 1999 Rover Mini Cooper Sportpack is finished in 'Tahiti Blue' with a cream leather interior. Showing just ~36,976 miles, it has undergone a recent cosmetic revamp and was serviced just 70 miles ago. After eight years in long-term storage, the car will require an MOT, though its healthy mechanical and structural condition should give confidence in a successful test. It is offered with two keys, an owner's pack, a comprehensive history file dating back to 2005, and a box full of spare parts.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Kevin the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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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.

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

I bought the car as a Valentines day present!

Kevin bought the car as a gift for his partner, who, like millions of others, retains fond memories of Mini ownership from back when the car was current.

The car saw limited use over their ~15 years of ownership and has been kept in secure storage since 2015.

Kevin will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Kevin
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Regular paint care and indoor storage preserve its sparkling exterior presentation.

Wheels and Tyres

The thirteen-inch factory-specification Minilite alloy wheels are in excellent condition and have all been fully refurbished. A fifth Minilite alloy wheel is included, alongside the original steel spare wheel. The car features extended wheel hub spacers to improve its overall stance.

The front of the car is fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tyres, and the rears are shod with Dunlop SP Sports. They show a spec of 175/50 and are date-coded from 2002. All appear to have decent, even tread with no significant signs of wear.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The exterior panel work is in excellent condition and free from any noticeable damage or corrosion, with nothing untoward spotted around the front wings, seams or door bottoms. The shut lines are decent, and Kevin believes all the panels are original, with the exception of the passenger door skins. The panel alignment is even, and all the doors open smoothly.

The underside looks solid and has been fully treated with rust inhibitor. The overall presentation is clean, with no issues noted in the wheel arches, engine bay, boot floor or outer sills.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

The 'Tahiti Blue' finish has a good lustre and shows minimal road wear. The offside front wing catches the light in a slightly different hue, and the nearside shoulder line just below the side glass has mild orange peel.

The roof has been repainted in a crisper white; it shows mild under paint bubbles on the top offside rear corner, but overall the car presents impressively.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The glass, lenses and lights are in good condition, with no issues noted on the chrome trim.

The rear wheel arch trims show mild surface fractures, but like the bumpers, they are securely fitted to the car.

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Interior

Fitted with veneer and leather, the well-kept cabin feels lavish and plush.

Seats and Carpets

The leather seats have been well preserved, and the carpeting is in excellent condition, with no signs of dampness.

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Dashboard

The dashboard presents impressively, with no marks on the padding or veneer. The dials, switches and controls are in excellent condition and are all said to work as they should.

The headlining, door cards and interior trim are all tidy.

The seat belts have been replaced with new black belts, though the original gold belts are included with the sale.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever finish off a well-presented cabin.

The gear lever gaiter has been matched to suit the seat colour.

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Mechanics

The refined MPi engine harmonises seamlessly with the Mini's agile, responsive chassis.

Engine and Gearbox

The car started on the first turn of the key, firing up without any splutters or unwanted noises.

The engine idles smoothly, with no lingering warning lights on the dashboard. Aside from minor condensation, the exhaust remains smoke-free. We left the engine running to idle once warm, and it ran smoothly with no fluctuations.

The engine bay is tidy, with no significant signs of age. All the hoses and ancillaries are smartly presented, and there was no evidence of fluid leaks during our visit.

The gearbox operates without any reported issues, engaging gears cleanly with no unwanted feedback.

Kevin reports the clutch to be in good working order.

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Suspension and Brakes

The suspension demonstrates typical Mini characteristics: a firm ride, yet it still absorbs the road surface imperfections without any bouncing at low speeds.

The car brakes evenly, with no negative feedback, free from any squeals or wobbles.

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The Drive

The Mini 1.3-litre multi-point injection engine represents the final evolutionary step of the legendary BMC A-Series engine. An advanced system that completely overhauled the classic A-Series block, it used a front-mounted radiator, distributorless ignition and dual-point injection to optimise efficiency and reduce emissions. Notable for making motorway driving completely viable, its reduction in emissions and improved reliability allowed the Mini to bow out with its credentials intact.

The car pulls smoothly through the gears and accelerates cleanly from low revs without coughing, spluttering, or flat spots. We did not take the car above 30 mph, but Kevin notes how good the engine feels at higher speeds. As expected, it feels incredibly nimble around town, with direct, precise steering.

There was no evidence of unusual noises coming from the steering, and the car tracks the road quietly. It handles evenly, with no unwanted rattles or thuds from the wheels. The oil pressure gauge is not currently working; although the instrument itself functions, a new sensor is required to display readings. Kevin is satisfied with the car’s reliability and reports no engine temperature issues during his ownership.

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Electrics and Other

The original front fog lights will also be supplied with the car, which has been fitted with a full stainless steel exhaust.

The rear screen has dark tint film.

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History and Paperwork

An extensive invoice folder details its careful maintenance and cosmetic upkeep.

First registered in September 1999, its receipt history starts in 2005 with invoices for maintenance, paint and parts. It has undergone a mild recent cosmetic refresh, featuring replacement exterior parts from Mini Spares. Please note the car is sold without an MOT, but it was last serviced around 70 miles ago and comes with its owner's pack, a replacement service book, the original sales brochure, a workshop manual, two keys, and a box full of spare parts.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, 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 of 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 bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
24-09-2022 Independent Service 36,902
09-06-2018 Independent Service 36,826
05-11-2014 MOT 36,928
08-02-2013 Independent Service 36,708
29-08-2012 MOT 36,549
01-04-2011 MOT 35,638
30-10-2009 MOT 34,918
22-10-2008 MOT 34,647
19-10-2007 MOT 33,809
08-07-2006 MOT 33,261
24-09-2005 Service 25,789 (Inaccurate Reading)
27-06-2005 MOT 32,252
29-06-2004 MOT 30,193
Key Details
  • Model Rover Mini Cooper Sportpack
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 01-09-1999
  • CC 1275
  • Mileage ~36,976
  • History Since 2005
  • Colour Tahiti Blue
  • Interior Colour Cream
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # SAXXNNAZEYD176824
  • Engine # 12A2LK70386700
  • Last Service 24-09-2022
  • MOT Last Exp: 04-11-2015
  • MOT Exempt No
  • Road Tax Exempt No
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers 5
  • Tyre Brand Bridgestone Potenza/Dunlop SP Sport
  • Tyre Age 2002
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~15 years, 3 months
  • Key Feature Low Reserve
  • Vehicle Registration V553 TVV
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2-door Saloon
  • Auction ID 4022


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £8,001
    £
    RESERVE MET – 1999 Rover Mini Cooper Sportpack
    AUCTION STATUS RESERVE MET
    RESERVE NOT MET RESERVE MET
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 8th Oct at 7.40pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  6
    £8,001 bid by JCHILL197126.09.26 @ 18:14:09
    £7,250 bid by Chelsea196926.09.26 @ 15:37:01
    £7,000 bid by JCHILL197125.09.26 @ 22:34:31
    £5,500 bid by bigtoe16324.09.26 @ 22:44:18
    £3,000 bid by jacks24.09.26 @ 22:30:33
    £1,500 bid by Goodwood24.09.26 @ 22:18:47
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    2123
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Mini like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Brackley

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for their vehicle. We work closely with sellers to set realistic reserves that reflect current market values — we don’t take on vehicles with inflated or unrealistic expectations.

    If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

    As a guide:
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    – If you attempt to outbid yourself and the system blocks it, then the reserve has been met.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

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