Lot number	94
Hammer value	£3,600
Description	Mini Cooper
Registration	K14 MOH
Year	1997
Colour	Red
Engine size	1,275 cc
Chassis No.	SAXXNNAZEWD154344
Engine No.	12A2LK70363567

The original Mini Cooper was launched in 1961 with a tuned 997cc engine that produced 55bhp.

A real giant-slayer, its extraordinary agility meant it could easily humble much more powerful cars both on road and track, although it was perhaps most famous for winning the grueling Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967 (it won the 1966 rally as well, but was disqualified by the French judges on totally spurious grounds).

The Mini had gone into something of a decline by the 1980s and new owners Rover resorted to a bewildering array of special editions to try and keep the sales figures above water. However, the re-launch of the Mini Cooper in 1990 brought about a genuine revival of interest in the brand, particularly in Japan.

The new Cooper had a 63bhp 1275cc carburettor engine and an even better fuel-injected version was introduced in 1991. When BMW took control over the Rover Group in 1994, the Cooper stayed in production and build quality went up along with more luxurious interiors trimmed in leather and equipped with a driver airbag. The last Mini Cooper was built in October 2000.

This 1997 model has had an interesting past, the vendor informing us that between 2003 and 2009 it was owned by the Duke of Westminster. It comes with its original book pack which includes the service book, the car having a good service history.

In 2010 it was given a full respray and fitted with many new body panels and in 2013 a replacement gearbox with four-pin differential was installed. Most recently, in 2014, a new rear subframe was fitted.

The vendor has used it for Mini shows and special trips and has customised it with Cobra sports seats, a Motolita steering wheel, bullet door mirrors (originals included), an RC40 exhaust system and leather bonnet straps, although we are advised that these are only stuck in place so that no holes were drilled in the bonnet. It has covered just 7,000 miles over the last five years and carries the personalised number K14 MOH.

This well prepared Cooper comes complete with two sets of keys, is MOTd until September and is ready for its new owner to enjoy straight away.