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| Lot number | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £9,410 |
| Description | Mini Cooper 1.3i |
| Registration | M321SJW |
| Year | 1995 |
| Mileage | 11,500 (Warranted) |
| Colour | Blue / White |
| Engine size | 1,275 cc |
| Chassis No. | SAXXNNAYCBD109299 |
| Engine No. | 12A2EJ02313374 |
| Documents | V5C |
British Leyland’s original plan had been to replace the ageing Mini with the clever new Metro. Successful though the new car was, the original Mini not only managed a stay of execution, but even outlived its replacement.
Much of this was due to clever marketing by RSP (Rover Special Projects). Initially the re-launch of the Cooper saved the day, but a whole raft of special models were introduced one after the other which kept interest in the car alive.
The factory developed an armoury of additional items could be fitted to the standard car. Wood veneer dashboards, flashy interiors, wide arches and a range of smart alloy wheels were all available to the product marketing team to keep the ageing Mini up to the minute, the majority of later cars being a far-cry from the basic, sparsely furnished original.
The use of the Cooper name gave the late Mini a little more sales appeal and the introduction of fuel injection made it a little more acceptable to the Green brigade. Power output was still around 62bhp, which was good enough for a 0-60mph time of 11.4 seconds, but the aerodynamics and gearing combined to keep the top speed just under the magic 100mph (92mph, to be precise).
This 1995 Mini Cooper is not just any Mini Cooper, but has been owned from new by Harold Musgrove, who – as many of you will remember – was Chairman of Austin Rover from 1982- 1986 and who, amongst other things – was responsible for the introduction of the K-Series engine. Such is the way of things in business, this particular car was taken to Special Projects for final prep to make sure everything was spic and span before it was handed over to the company Chairman.
The car has only 11,558 miles on the clock and this appears to be genuine, judging from the MOT history. Mr Musgrove is 95 now and has not used the car much in the past few years. It has only covered 3,500 miles in the last 13 years and has an MOT to February 2020 which it passed with no advisory notices.
