1999 Rover Mini Cooper Sportspack | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

The Rover Mini Cooper Sportspack represents one of the final and most desirable evolutions of the classic Mini, a design that had remained largely unchanged from its debut in 1959 through to the end of production in 2000. By the late 1990s, the Mini had become an icon of British motoring, celebrated for its compact dimensions, sharp handling and unmistakable character. The introduction of the Sportspack option enhanced this appeal, endowing the Mini with a more purposeful stance through factory-fitted wide wheel arches and 13-inch alloy wheels. The flared arches and chunky tyres not only improve grip but also lend the car a muscular, purposeful appearance. Combined with twin spot lamps, chrome detailing and bold bonnet stripes, the result was a Mini that looked every bit as sporting as it felt to drive. Power comes from the familiar 1275cc multi-point injection A-Series engine, while the four-speed manual gearbox, direct steering and lack of modern driver aids combine to deliver the engaging, analogue driving experience for which these late Minis are so highly regarded.The Rover Mini Cooper Sportspack represents one of the final and most desirable evolutions of the classic Mini, a design that had remained largely unchanged from its debut in 1959 through to the end of production in 2000. By the late 1990s, the Mini had become an icon of British motoring, celebrated for its compact dimensions, sharp handling and unmistakable character. The introduction of the Sportspack option enhanced this appeal, endowing the Mini with a more purposeful stance through factory-fitted wide wheel arches and 13-inch alloy wheels. The flared arches and chunky tyres not only improve grip but also lend the car a muscular, purposeful appearance. Combined with twin spot lamps, chrome detailing and bold bonnet stripes, the result was a Mini that looked every bit as sporting as it felt to drive. Power comes from the familiar 1275cc multi-point injection A-Series engine, while the four-speed manual gearbox, direct steering and lack of modern driver aids combine to deliver the engaging, analogue driving experience for which these late Minis are so highly regarded.

Supplied new by South Cleveland Rover on 6th February 1999, this Cooper Sportspack is finished in striking Solar Red with a contrasting white roof and bonnet stripes. Inside, the cabin features the beige and black leatherette ‘Monaco’ trim, complemented by a burr walnut dashboard. Having covered just 39,379 miles from new, the Mini has been in the hands of a car enthusiast for the last five years. During that time, it has only accrued approximately 1,000 miles, being kept safely sheltered indoors when not on the road. The benefits of such ownership are immediately apparent as the car presents exceptionally well. The Mini has just been newly serviced and MoT’d and is accompanied by an extensive history file dating back to first registration, including a complete service book. Consigned by Stewart Banks