ROVER MINI

With us now at RFH Classics we are delighted to offer this very special 1991 (J) Mini Cooper S Replica finished in Tartan Red with a contrasting Black roof and the subject of an extensive four-year restoration and fast-road development. Far more than simply a cosmetically modified Mini, this is a car whose build was sufficiently interesting to warrant a substantial six-page feature in the MiniWorld magazine.

Originally leaving the factory as a Mini Neon, the transformation was undertaken to create a highly individual Mini combining the unmistakable appearance of the earlier sporting models with considerably more performance and capability than its original specification.

The restoration itself was extensive. MiniWorld records that the car was stripped down and, once 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 finished in Tartan Red with the contrasting Black roof.

Mechanically is where this Mini becomes particularly interesting. The documented build centres around a 1275cc A+ block over-bored to 1293cc, fitted with Omega pistons and a modified 11-stud 12G940 cylinder head with 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 further enhance the specification. Fuelling is provided by twin SU HS4 carburettors with Ramflo air filters, while electronic ignition and uprated cooling including an alloy radiator and Revotec electric fan complete what is a very well considered fast road A-Series installation.

The drivetrain received similar attention with a rebuilt four-synchro rod-change gearbox, uprated Verto clutch, 3.765:1 final drive and KAD quick-shift. Braking benefits from servo assistance, braided hoses and 7.5-inch Cooper S front discs, while refurbished and powder-coated subframes, GMAX dampers, Adjusta-Ride trumpets and adjustable tie bars help ensure the chassis matches the additional performance.

Visually, the result is equally successful. 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 it exactly the purposeful stance a fast-road Mini deserves.

Inside, later MPi front seats have been retrimmed in Black vinyl with a matching rear seat, complemented by Newton Commercial Black carpeting, Mountney steering wheel and the fabulous Mk2-style central oval three-clock instrument conversion.

The February 2019 MiniWorld feature doesn’t simply photograph the finished car; it documents its development, restoration, mechanical build and several of the specialists involved, providing a fascinating contemporary record of how the Mini evolved into the car offered today.

The Mini was subsequently offered for sale by a renowned specialist whose sales particulars again detailed the restoration and extensive mechanical specification. While the original accompanying invoice file from that period is unfortunately no longer present, the surviving MiniWorld feature together with details of those previous sales particulars now form part of the car’s history.

Beautifully presented, wonderfully detailed and backed by genuine magazine feature provenance, this is a Mini that has clearly been created by an enthusiast rather than simply assembled from a catalogue. For anyone looking for something rather more individual than the average classic Mini, it is certainly worthy of closer inspection.

RFH Classics are proud to be Bedfordshire’s largest independent classic car dealer, with over 35 years of experience supplying quality vehicles you can buy with confidence. Our reputation has been built on trust, excellent customer service and the many positive reviews we receive from customers both locally and across the UK. This car qualifies for historic road tax. A fresh MOT will be provided upon sale.

As a classic it is eligible for low-cost classic car insurance and is supplied with 3 months major mechanical warranty. All of our vehicles are sold clear of finance or insurance damage with a certificate provided at handover. We only recommend using premium unleaded fuel (E5) in all of our classic vehicles. Unable to visit our showroom, UK delivery is available and we can also offer export services if required. Our website features a walk-around video of this and every one of the vehicles in stock. To find out more or arrange a viewing contact RFH Classics today, we look forward to hearing from you.

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

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