Country Classic Cars - Vehicle Details

Smart marketing courtesy of Rover Special Projects kept the Mini brand alive and well up to the new millennium and resulted in a series of Special Editions with distinctive interiors and bespoke exterior trims. Country Classic Cars are very pleased to offer this 1999 Rover Mini 1.3 MPi which enjoys the upmarket ‘SE’ Balmoral interior, Pepper pot rims plus improved safety features such as driver’s airbag. A commission sale on behalf of a regular and much valued client who took custody of the Mini in 2018 at 9500 miles from new with just two previous owners. Five years on and this Mini still only shows 11636 miles and having benefitted from a recent £10k investment both visuals and driving experience belie its 24 years.

The last of the line, the Mark 7 ran from 1996 when multi point injection and electronic management boosted the popular 1275 powerplant and with the side mounted radiator switched to the front plus a much-improved alternator the extra performance enjoyed improved reliability. No doubt at lower revs the MPi makes for smoother acceleration whilst the higher final drive ratio keeps the engine audio subdued when approaching the national speed limit. You are very much aware it’s a Mini you are driving and it’s refreshing this final model retains many of the handling characteristics enjoyed by the original design; although modern brakes do provide the confidence to push through country lanes where this Mini feels right at home.

The Platinum Silver metallic brightens even the dullest winters day, the arches have been finished to match but the closest inspection does reveal the odd small mark including the n/s front wing alongside the door plus the same panel has a small chip below the headlight. The rear bumper panel shows a blemish on the upper edge whilst the brightwork is excellent throughout and those unique alloys are damage free. The cabin is all about the Balmoral trim, stone beige tweed adds plenty of class to the unmarked seats with red carpet to contrast; just the leather-bound gear knob displays any evidence of use. Dark veneer dash with cream dials completes this delightful interior and its work noting side impact protecting and drivers airbag were safety features that the later versions enjoyed as standard. All the switchgear, dials and gauges operate as they should, and the original Rover radio cassette has been retained plus an owner’s manual remains in the glovebox.

Rover built 11738 Mini’s in 1999, many of those will have succumbed to the dreaded ‘tin worm’ but the history file confirms that the current and previous owners have invested heavily to keep this example in prime condition. The car was single family owned until 2011 when it went into storage (confirmed by a gap in the MOT history which can be traced back to 2006 at 6522 miles) and was recommissioned in 2017 costing over £2k with work including radius arm, brake lines, wheel bearing and diff casing seal whilst both front and rear valances were installed and painted. Invoices show both door skins were replaced in 2019 the same year this car first arrived at our workshops, where it has been maintained since. Initially, we replaced a floor pan plus throttle and speedo cable then in 2020 the fuel sender unit and more recently inner and outer rear wheel arches plus battery box. Feel free to contact us for more details on the work that Country Classic Cars have carried out.

For additional information please message with your email address for detailed images or a short walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only and within current Covid guidelines and whilst inspections are encouraged, please bear in mind the changing situation but currently we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.