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Closed Auction- Unsold

1992 Rover Mini British Open Classic

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  • Mileage~59,600
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.3L
  • LocationRadstock

AUCTION CLOSED

1992 Rover Mini British Open Classic

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

The British Open Classic was limited to just 1,000 examples, featuring a full-length electric Webasto sunroof and distinctive leather and tweed upholstery, setting it apart from the crowd.

Over five million Minis were produced between 1959 and 2000. With such a wide range of models and special editions, each car has earned its own place in history. The British Open Classic was a limited edition of 1,000 rare examples, designated for the home market. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a naturally aspirated 1275cc inline-four engine. The car also features unique coachlines and decals, an electrically operated full-length Webasto sunroof, and distinctive leather and tweed upholstery, complete with ‘By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen’ labels stitched into the front seats.

This particular example has been exceptionally well cared for since 1992, and comes to market from ~2.5 year ownership. It has benefited from a full respray and mechanical work to maintain its excellent condition. The current owner has cherished it throughout their ownership, often displaying the car at various classic shows over the summer.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Mike 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

I’ve always fancied owning a classic Mini, I set out to find the best British Open Classic Mini that I could find on the market at that time.

Mike has thoroughly enjoyed owning this Mini over the past two and a half years. He’s kept it in his garage, only bringing it out on sunny weekends for shows—something that’s clearly reflected in the mileage and overall condition.

He has owned a variety of classic cars over the years, but only keeps one at a time. He’s decided it’s time for a change and to explore other classics he hasn’t yet owned, Mike will be on hand to answer any questions about the car in the comments below.

Mike
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Finished in an attractive metallic British Racing Green, this car is a real head-turner, further enhanced by its unique gold details.

Wheels and Tyres

The 12” Minilite wheels, finished in silver, look great and add to the car’s sporty appeal. During our visit, the wheels appeared well cared for, with no visible damage to any of the spokes.

The wheels are fitted with Falken tyres on the rear (dated 2013) and Nankang tyres on the front (dated 2021). These also appear to be in great condition, with a good amount of tread remaining and no visible cracking or signs of age on the sidewalls.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this Rover Mini British Open Classic appears to be in great condition, with all panel gaps aligning very well, and usual bonnet alignment. During our inspection, we didn’t notice any obvious dings or dents. The sills look good, as does the scuttle and window surrounds, the seams under the offside front headlight appear to show the slightest amount of corrosion.

We’ve provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to review all the media files for a comprehensive view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The paintwork, finished in a lovely metallic British Racing Green, presents very well with even coverage and consistent colour across each panel.

Once again, we’ve captured detailed images and videos of the car for your review, enabling you to evaluate the condition of the bodywork in detail.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this British Open Classic also looks excellent and is consistent with the car’s mileage. We didn’t observe any chips, cracks, or discolouration during our visit. The window seals are in similarly good condition and reflect the car’s overall level of care.

The bumpers, door handles, and window surrounds are all in great condition. The convertible fabric roof is also in great shape, with no visible tears or rips.

Interior

Exclusive to this model, the interior features cream leather and tweed upholstery, with ‘By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen’ labels stitched throughout.

Seats and Carpets

The half-leather cream seats with tweed centres have retained their shape very well over the years. Being picky, we did note some small scuffs and light cracking on the leather bolsters.

The door cards and carpets tell a similar story in the same style, presenting very well overall. For a closer look inside the cabin, please explore the comprehensive photo and video gallery.

Dashboard

The dashboard, finished in black vinyl, presents two dials in front of the driver and shows no obvious sings of damage or scuffs.

No warning lights were displayed during our visit. The odometer read ~59,617 miles. Mike also uses a 12V voltage reader and disconnects the battery after each use to preserve the condition.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A leather-wrapped Mini steering wheel is fitted, and it remains in good condition, in line with the mileage.

The wooden gearknob also presents well. For a closer look at the finer details, be sure to check out the image gallery.

Mechanics

A full mechanical rebuild was carried out by Minispeed to ensure optimal performance from this modern classic city car.

Engine and Gearbox

In 2007, Minispeed removed the engine and began a comprehensive rebuild of the engine and mechanical components, while also addressing any rust present at the time. On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold and were pleased with its performance. The engine pulled strongly, idled smoothly, and ran without issue on the road.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving, and for a closer look underneath the Rover Mini British Open Classic and its tidy engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension appears to be in good condition, offering a smooth ride on the sweeping Somerset roads.

During our short drive, the car felt exactly as you’d expect from a small city car of this era—fun, nimble, and capable of stopping without fuss. Mike reports the car features Servo assisted brakes, which aids stopping promptly.

The Drive

The limited-run British Open Classic offers an extremely enjoyable, spirited, yet refined driving experience. Mike has thoroughly enjoyed owning the car over the ~2.5 years

With its distinctive styling, it’s undoubtedly a fashion statement—a favourite among Mini enthusiasts and classic car lovers alike.

Electrics and Other

While we didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, Mike reports that, to his knowledge, all are functioning correctly, which is consistent with the car’s overall condition.

The original stereo unit remains fitted, and the full-length electrically operated roof is also in working order.

History and Paperwork

This is a lovely example of a Mini British Open Classic, showing just ~59,600 miles, 4 former keepers and restored in the past, it’s ready to be enjoyed or shown.

The car is now coming out of Mike’s ~2.5-year ownership. Between Mike’s stewardship and 2004, over £18,000 has been spent on the car, including a full body restoration, new suspension, a rear subframe replacement, clutch, and an engine overhaul.

It comes equipped with a black roof, 12” Minilite-style wheels, overriders, and a factory-fitted Rover radio. Be sure to explore the history and paperwork section to view MOT reports, servicing records, and parts receipts that document this Mini British Open Classic’s well-maintained life.

The Mini also comes with a current MOT, valid until 04.11.2025.

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, 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.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
04.11.2024 MOT 59,563
24.10.2023 MOT 59,470
01.11.2022 MOT 59,302
12.01.2022 Service 58,738
02.11.2021 MOT 58,732
28.10.2020 MOT 58,442
22.10.2019 MOT 58,142
05.11.2018 MOT 58,058
10.08.2018 Service 58,051
27.09.2017 MOT 57,875
09.06.2017 Service 57,614
27.09.2016 MOT 57,029
29.09.2015 MOT 55,719
29.09.2014 MOT 54,572
23.09.2013 MOT 53,994
24.09.2012 Service & MOT 53,124
29.09.2011 MOT 51,641
28.09.2010 MOT 50,018
24.09.2009 Major Service 48,455
24.09.2009 MOT 48,450
24.09.2008 Minor Oil Service & MOT 47,063
01.10.2007 MOT 46,064
27.09.2006 Service & MOT 45,355
03.10.2005 MOT 44,952
30.09.2004 MOT 44,461
03.10.2003 MOT 44,029
08.08.2002 Full Service & MOT 43,498
19.07.2001 Service & MOT
18.04.2000 Service 40,877
09.12.1998 Service & MOT
22.10.1997 SErvice
Key Details
  • ModelMini British Open Classic
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date20.11.1992
  • CC1,275
  • Mileage~59,600
  • HistoryPresent
  • ColourBritish Racing Green Metallic
  • Interior ColourCream
  • Interior TrimHalf leather / tweed
  • Chassis #SAXXNYADBBD054830
  • Engine #12A2BG03251889
  • RestoredYes
  • MOTYes. Exp - 04.11.2025
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers4
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandFalken/Nankang
  • Tyre Age2021
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~2.5 years
  • Key FeatureCondition
  • Auction ID2817






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Ask Questions
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8 Comments
bumjubbler
bumjubbler
8 days ago

Hi Mike. When would be convenient to view the Mini please?
Regards,
Colin

Action
Action
9 days ago

Hello Mike can i see the car around lunchtime Tuesday please
Dave.

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
  Action
9 days ago

Hi Dave,

We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to hello@tradeclassics.com first as we need to do some checks first.

Thanks,
Colin.

shadimack
shadimack
13 days ago

Hi Mike, Greta looking car. May be a silly question but what’s the Aux fan I see on the pics? I’ve not seen this before, thanks

Elwyn
Elwyn
18 days ago

Hi Mike, great looking car and it looks to have been well maintained, Is there a reserve price on the car ?
Trade classics have done a very comprehensive description but didn’t include a test drive,

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