1990 Rover Mini RSP with Factory Cooper S Conversion

Remarks

Finished in the iconic colour that is British Racing Green, this Cooper S is aesthetically outstanding. The paintwork, which we believe to be original, has a great shine to it and boasts incredibly minimal wear throughout and is complimented excellently by the white painted roof, which is in equally great condition. The White stripes on the bonnet, holding the John Cooper name, and pinstriping on the sides of the car are in good condition with just some minor wear to them. We find the car adorned with several Cooper S decals and badging to help denote the car from both standard Minis and non “S” RSP Coopers. Up front, sits the trademark chrome chrome grille and bumper as well as two external spotlights. The chrome has a great finish and shine to it, this is mirrored with the chrome bumper and trim at the rear of the car. Unfortunately there are some more notable signs of wear to be seen around the bodywork of the car. A small dent on the rear right quarter panel, some general scuffing to both side view mirrors and a small chip/hole on the corner of the roof at the rubber beading. However none of these detract from the look of the car. The lights, front and rear, as well as the glass on the car, are all in good condition and appear unmarked. The car sits on a set of 4 12” sports alloy wheels that are all in great condition, as are the 165/60R12 Falken-G tyres that hold the wheels. The boot, finished in a matching shade of British Racing Green, holds a matching 5th spare alloy wheel.

Remarks

Part of John Cooper’s plan when creating the RSP Cooper was to fit the cars with the interior from the Mini 30, another special edition mini. A sea of rich red and black trim, this specific example is in truly remarkable condition. Adorned with subtle Cooper labelling, the exquisite black fabric and leather seats, highlighted beautifully with their red piping present wonderfully. Up front, the driver and passenger seats appear fresh and unmarked, largely free of wear as to be expected of such an excellently cared for car. The bench seat in the rear mirrors this excellent quality. The door trims, upholstered to match the seating, are of an equally good standard, the material and plastic door furniture are smart and clean. Looking below, the cabin is draped in a deep red carpet that really sets the interior off. Like the rest of the upholstery in the car, it is in a wonderful condition. Above, seated within the excellent roof liner, sits a mechanical sunroof, this functions fully and opens with ease as do the pop out windows in the rear of the car. Front and centre, Housing the JVC radio, sculpted air vents and gauge cluster, we find the wooden dashboard fascia still with a great shine to it, the wood finish free of any major wear or markings. Sat just below is a neat cluster of switchgear, which is believed to all function correctly. One of the most notable features in the cabin is the original factory red cooper steering wheel. The leather and stitching on this is still in exemplary condition.

Remarks

The mechanics of this Mini are in extraordinary condition to say the least. The MG Metro derived 1275cc engine has been removed from the car, stripped and fully rebuilt and now sits in the car proudly, looking incredibly clean and fresh. In addition to an engine rebuild, the engine bay itself was treated to a clean, refresh and repaint while the motor was out being rebuilt, and now presents in an equally clean standard. The engine fires into life immediately, settling into a comfortable idle and providing a beautiful tone from the new stainless steel exhaust that has also been fitted to the car.

Remarks

Completely restored with the Engine rebuild.

Remarks

This wonderful example is accompanied by a rather impressive stack of paperwork. We find the RSP Cooper S catalogue, along with some factory carpet swabs matching the red the cabin is upholstered in, and in the original John Cooper Garages folder, sits the owners handbook, servicing record book and information booklets. Most notably, there is the signed certificate congratulating the original owner on the purchase of the RSP Cooper S conversion. The build number denoted on the certificate (0391-S) matches the build number stamped within the car. In addition to its current MOT, which is valid until 17th March 2022, the history folder contains several of its prior MOT certificates along with stacks of documentation consisting of invoices for maintenance and servicing that has been undertaken on the car in its life. Several pieces of this are from former Rover specialists Castle Garage Ludlow. The correct V5 registration documentation is also present.

Restoration Notes

The mechanics of this Mini are in extraordinary condition to say the least. The MG Metro derived 1275cc engine has been removed from the car, stripped and fully rebuilt and now sits in the car proudly, looking incredibly clean and fresh. In addition to an engine rebuild, the engine bay itself was treated to a clean, refresh and repaint while the motor was out being rebuilt, and now presents in an equally clean standard. The engine fires into life immediately, settling into a comfortable idle and providing a beautiful tone from the new stainless steel exhaust that has also been fitted to the car. Sat neatly behind the front wheels, we find an upgraded disc brake system has been fitted, accompanied by new brake pipes and lines. The car’s suspension has also been recommissioned with a series of new parts, including replacement shock absorbers. All of this, accompanied with the refreshed engine, means the Mini drives excellently, and is incredibly dynamic, as to be expected of a John Cooper tuned car. The underside of the mini is something of a sight to behold, having been fully restored and then coated in a colour matching dark green underseal, it is incredibly clean and accentuates the all new stainless exhaust and brake lines that have been fitted under there.