In Brief:

• A rare example of an 'S Works' Rover Mini Cooper
• Finished in Tahiti Blue with a White roof over a Black leather interior
• Owned by the current keeper for the last 20 years
• Genuine 38,093 miles from new
• Car number 23 of around 250 'S Works' Minis produced

Auctioneer’s Notes:

A desirable and increasingly scarce Rover Mini Cooper Sport S Works, offered in honest condition with some age-related wear. Finished in Tahiti Blue with a White roof, this example is number 23 of an estimated 250 S Works cars produced, this example represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuinely limited-edition Cooper with factory-approved John Cooper Garages upgrades. Showing just 38,093 miles from new and cherished by its current keeper for the past 20 years, it stands as a highly collectable late-classic Mini with impressive provenance.

Maintenance & Condition:

The car presents well for its age, though some cosmetic improvement could be considered to bring it back to its finest. Supplied with a strong history file including invoices, MOT certificates, and its original Mini bookpack. Within the bookpack is the Owner’s Handbook, In-Car Entertainment Guide, and Service Portfolio, which records five service stamps between 1999 at 947 miles and 2002 at 18,429 miles. The Mini was laid up between 2010–2020 and has been off the road again since 2020, so recommissioning should be expected before returning to regular use.

History:

Registered new in 1999, this S Works-spec Cooper has remained in the care of the current owner for an impressive 20 years. Its early life is well documented by its stamped service book and supporting paperwork, while its extended periods off the road have contributed to the low recorded mileage of 38,093. Rare, well-provenanced and unmodified S Works Minis such as this are increasingly difficult to find.

The Model:

The Rover Mini Cooper Sport S Works stands at the top of the late-era Mini performance hierarchy. Developed in partnership with John Cooper Garages, the package included power upgrades to the 1.3-litre engine (typically around 85–90 bhp), braking and suspension enhancements—including Alex Moulton-tuned components—plus distinctive visual cues. Many were equipped with 5-speed gearboxes, making them more flexible and driver-friendly than standard models. With fewer than 250 believed to have been produced, these represent some of the last factory-approved high-performance Rover Minis ever made and among the most collectible.

Sale Insight:

As car number 23 from the original production run, weighing under 700kg and offering up to 90bhp, this Cooper S Works is an exciting and engaging driver’s car. Limited-edition Minis with documented history and low mileage continue to command strong market interest, and this example—with long-term ownership and genuine rarity—is sure to attract collectors and Mini aficionados alike. A superb opportunity to secure a special-edition classic.

Estimate:
£8,000 - £10,000