2001 Rover Mini Cooper Sport 500

On October 4th, 2000, after 41 years, Rover decided to cease production of the Mini and following this and in celebration of their famous little car, Rover released the 'Mini Classic' range (before the introduction of the BMW Minis). The pick of this range was arguably the Mini Cooper Sport. These were more luxurious cars, with full leather trim, an alloy dash panel, 'Sport Pack' wheel arches and 13'' alloy wheels.

Right at the end of the Classic range production run, a separate batch of 500 cars were assembled and they were entitled "Cooper Sport 500". They were only ever made in the Sport Pack version and were offered in four colours, Solar Red, Tahiti Blue, British Racing Green and Anthracite, all with distinctive Platinum Silver roofs. These 500 cars came with a unique dash plaque that is mounted within the glove-box and reads: “This Mini is one of the last 500 built to the original Sir Alec Issigonis design”. There is an active Cooper Sport 500 Register ensuring that these charismatic little cars are already very collectable.

This, right-hand drive, Cooper Sport 500 is confirmed as No.465 /500 and is finished in Tahiti Blue with a Platinum Silver roof and stripes. The latest of six owners, our vendor has owned the car for three years and the odometer is currently reading 32,500 miles. During his ownership, we understand that he only used the car in dry weather and has recently had the brakes overhauled and the paintwork refreshed.

Accompanying the car are multiple invoices and past MOTs, the “Last 500” Certificate, correspondence with the Cooper Sport 500 register, the original "Gift Pack", the factory build card, and the assembly audit sheet. Offered at "No Reserve" this is an exciting and rare opportunity to acquire one of the last examples of Sir Alec Issigonis' world-changing design.