Mini 30 Limited Edition

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That the Mini survived in production for over 40 years should be no surprise to anyone. Such was the brilliance of the original design that concepts introduced at its launch still form the basis for most small cars today. By 1986, over 5 million examples had been sold and sales were kept alive by a succession of limited edition models with different trim, paint and interior options.

Based on the Mini Mayfair and introduced in June 1989, the 30 was the most luxuriously equipped Mini to date and was released to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this remarkable car. Two paint schemes were offered, Pearlescent Cherry Red or Black, featuring contrasting duo-tone coachlines and ‘1959-1989’ decals and bonnet badge. Wheelarch extensions, door mirrors and sill covers were colour matched to the body, while the grille, bumpers and door handles were all chrome plated, Minilite-style alloys completing the sporty look.

The luxury interior had half-leather seats with red piping and a red steering wheel, while a security coded stereo also came as standard. The 998cc engine could now run on unleaded petrol, and a catalytic converter was available as an option. Only 3,000 cars were built for the UK market, the colour split being 2,000 in red, 1,000 in black.

Dating from September 1989, this Mini 30 has been in the current ownership since 2004 and had been professionally modified and uprated by the previous mature owner in 2002. Aside from all the usual Mini 30 accoutrements, it has been fitted with a 1,340cc fast road engine (unleaded) with dyno sheets showing that it produced in excess of 80bhp at the wheels - well over double the output of a standard Mini 1000 engine.

A close-ratio gearbox with a quick-shift kit is also fitted along with an uprated clutch, uprated radiator, bigger brakes with aeroquip hoses, uprated suspension, oil cooler, electric fuel pump, competition engine steadies top and bottom, big bore LCB exhaust manifold and maniflow system with twin exit pipes – very fruity!

Other tweaks include colour coded Group 5 arches, debumpered and smoothed rear end, DTM mirrors, tinted glass, Cooper grille, halogen headlamps, clear indicators, 13" alloys with Yokohama tyres, Sparco alloy pedals, carbon gearknob, three-dial dash and rear seat belts. When acquired in 2004, the car had some 64,000 miles on the clock and was treated to all its upgrades about 2,500 miles previously. It now has some 66,300 miles showing which means that is has only covered around 4,800 miles on the fast road engine.

Always garaged in the current 11-year ownership and lightly used in fine weather only, the car is said to be in generally good condition all round. It is also said to drive well with an impressive turn of speed and is due to have a fresh MOT in time for the sale.

Catalogue Amendment; Please note the exhaust is a single exit not a twin exit pipe as catalogued