ROVER MINI

With us now at RFH Classics we are delighted to offer this special 1991 (J) Mini Cooper S Replica, finished in Tartan Red with a contrasting Black roof and the result of an extensive four-year restoration and fast-road development programme. Far more than a Mini simply given the Cooper S appearance, the build encompassed the body, engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension and interior and was featured across six pages in MiniWorld magazine. Originally leaving the factory as a Mini Neon, the car was transformed to combine the subtle yet unmistakable appearance of the earlier sporting models with greater performance and capability than its original specification. The MiniWorld feature provides a valuable contemporary record of the transformation.

In the MiniWorld interview, the then owner records that the car was stripped down and, when corrosion was discovered, the decision was made to undertake the bodywork properly. Outer front wings and scuttle were removed and replaced together with the door skins before the shell was professionally prepared and refinished in Tartan Red with the contrasting Black roof. Today it presents with excellent panel gaps and a high standard of paint finish.

The MiniWorld feature goes on to detail an equally comprehensive mechanical build. According to its documented specification, the engine was based around a 1275cc A+ block which was over-bored to 1293cc and fitted with Omega pistons. The modified 11-stud 12G940 cylinder head received an unleaded conversion, porting and polishing and Paul Ivey Racing stainless steel valves. A bespoke fast-road camshaft, balanced crankshaft, Janspeed LCB manifold and stainless steel exhaust formed part of the build, with twin SU HS4 carburettors and Ramflo air filters providing the fuelling. Electronic ignition, an alloy radiator and Revotec electric fan completed the installation.

The work didn't stop with the engine. The drivetrain was developed to suit, with a rebuilt four-synchro rod-change gearbox, uprated Verto clutch, 3.765:1 final drive and KAD quick-shift. Braking was upgraded with servo assistance, braided hoses and 7.5-inch Cooper S front discs, while refurbished powder-coated subframes, GMAX dampers, Adjusta-Ride trumpets and adjustable tie bars completed the chassis work. Visually, a Morris Mk1-style grille, stainless steel bumpers and mirrors and period-inspired detailing complement the Tartan Red bodywork, while 10-inch JBW Dunlop D1-style Alloy Wheels with Yokohama A032 tyres give the car its purposeful stance. Inside, later MPi front seats were retrimmed in Black vinyl with a matching rear seat, complemented by Newton Commercial Black carpeting, a lovely period-feel Mountney steering wheel and a Mk2-style central oval three-clock instrument conversion.

Importantly, the February 2019 MiniWorld feature documents the restoration, mechanical development and several of the specialists involved. The Mini was subsequently offered for sale by a recognised specialist whose sales particulars again recorded its specification. While the original invoice file is unfortunately no longer present, the MiniWorld feature and previous sales particulars form an important part of its history.

Overall, this is a Mini that has clearly had considerable time, thought and expenditure invested in its development. The documented engine build, rebuilt gearbox, uprated brakes and suspension complement the extensive body restoration, creating a complete fast-road Mini rather than simply a cosmetic Cooper S Replica. As part of our preparation, the Mini will be supplied with a new 12-month MOT on collection. It will also be supplied with our 3-month major mechanical warranty together with a vehicle history certificate confirming no outstanding finance or recorded insurance loss. As with all our classics, we recommend the use of premium unleaded E5 fuel.

RFH Classics are Bedfordshire's largest independent classic car dealer, with over 35 years' experience supplying quality vehicles to customers throughout the UK. UK delivery is available and we can also assist with export where required. A detailed walk-around video of the car can be viewed on our website. To find out more or arrange a viewing, contact RFH Classics today. Visitors are always welcome to our Bedfordshire showroom, although we ask that you call first as we can occasionally be off-site collecting or delivering vehicles.

Call: 01462 338755
Email: sales@rfhclassics.co.uk
Website: www.rfhclassics.co.uk