- Odometer: 37,000 miles
- Manual transmission
- Driving Side: Right
- Color: Almond Green
- Interior: Porcelain Leather Interior
- Air Conditioning
- Rover Imported from Japan to UK.
Video:
https://britishminiclassicgt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_6634.mov
1996 Rover Mini 1.3 – 35TH Anniversary Limited Edition 37,000 Miles
Created in 1996 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Mini Cooper, a total of 1,701 examples of the aptly-named model were built, with each one having Almond Green paintwork, a Diamond White roof, and a Porcelain Green interior (though a number of red cars were also produced for the Japanese market). Of that total, 1,200 cars were originally exported to Japan, with this being one such example.
The Vehicle
The Mini consigned here was purchased in the best way, on a whim in the memory of a loved one. The common story for the previous generation was that everyone either had a Mini or had a story about one and the owner of this example is no different. After being exposed to the lovable little car in their younger years, a promise was made that one day a cooper (with the quad spotlights) would take up residence in the garage. After a chance flick through a Mini magazine, over a coffee about a 35 anniversary Cooper the decision was made to place an order. The next step was to call local Rover dealers to place an order for one of these special editions, but after none of the local dealers knew anything about it (classic Rover communication there) the owner had to look further afield. After phoning ‘The 3 Way Motor Company’ Rover dealership (who incidentally knew all about the special edition) the owner was treated to some fantastic customer service and even had the opportunity to spec a numberplate.
The current owner has had this car its whole life, a good condition Mini nowadays is a bit of a special thing, one that has only one owner and it’s kept in such amazing condition is even more special. Couple to that that it’s a special edition and we realise we need to use some different adjectives to describe this car. Continuing the spectacular story of this characterful car and building a picture of how it’s been treated, the car has been kept garaged for most of its life and benefits from exceptionally low miles. It has only failed an MOT once for a rear exhaust box (which is astonishing considering how readily Mini’s like to return to nature), it’s never been driven in the snow/ice and very rarely in the rain. The most recent mileage and perhaps the most in the last few years is when the owner took the car up to the Yorkshire moors to get some photos of the car for posterity.
The car has been treated as a part of the family, more like a pet than a car and one that facilitated in many a memory being created. This was never the intention of Alec Issigonis back in 1959 but seeing as the Mini was a child of the loving 60’s, it’s no surprise that it has become one of the most loved classic cars of all time.
On the Outside
The Almond green paintwork, porcelain green interior and Diamond white roof is the colour combo the 35th Anniversary edition was given, and after some restorative work on the car it is all in fantastic condition. The car has had some rust repair work as is the case with most if not all Minis from any era, but after spending the effort, money and time to fix the issues with this one it has been given a coat of Waxoyl to prevent any further corrosion down the line. This means that the near new finish you see now will be lasting much longer than if it was just left as it was from the Rover factory.
The 12” black Minilite wheels are also in fantastic condition with no curbing, lacquer peel of scuffing to be seen and with the addition of good quality tyres fitted in 2018. The tyres have not seen many miles during their time on the car and have plenty of tread left. All electrics work around the car, this includes the spotlights, indicators, and wipers, even the original radio/cassette player works as intended with the wing mounted, manually operated aerial. Condition of the chrome work around the car is great too and the fit and finish of the panels is remarkable for a car that sometimes had issues with finish quality. All round a beautiful example of a 26-year-old classic.
On the Inside
Now if you thought from the photos that the exterior of the car looked good, the interior is even better. It looks barely used, there is no wear and tear on the switches, the steering wheel isn’t fraying or showing any signs of wear, the walnut dash is beautifully finished and shines with its lacquered surface. Upholstery wise, the seats are in near showroom condition with very little if any wear, especially to the usual places like the back and seat base bolsters. The rear bench is the same little to no wear at all. Everything is in place and operation in the Mini and it’s a real testament to how well this example has been kept by its one owner. The white dials are a nice original addition and really pop from the walnut dash readily giving the driver all the info they need. Dare we even say this Mini is luxurious? Looking from the rear seat into the cabin gives you a distinct impression that Rover went all out with the 35th Anniversary edition and we can confirm that driving it is an absolute dream.
