Lot 254 - 1996 Rover Mini Sprite

This is the car that started the small car revolution. Most of us squeezed ourselves behind the wheel at one time or another in our formative years and loved it. There was something about driving a Mini, a cheeky quality which today's breed of 'superminis' have found impossible to duplicate. It was an individual car created by an individualist: Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis.
The real genius was his idea of using a transverse engine to drive the front wheels via a gearbox built into the sump. It was a revolutionary concept and one that soon came to the attention of the racing fraternity.
The ‘Sprite’ replaced the ‘City’ with a 1.3 litre engine, the seats too came in for the 1990s treatment and were based on those used in the Rover 200 with 'break back' squabs, which could be released to fold forward, easing access to the rear.
But, it is a hoot. The suspension will be a shock to those used to modern superminis but if you don't mind sacrificing a little comfort, it’s the most fun you can have around town for the money.
Due to their competitive price point and enormous fun, they remained a perennial favourite for young and old alike. And, as such, there are very few left in fine original condition.
Incredibly, this really is just one lady owner from new. Delivered new to Swain & Jones Rover in Surrey with the added option of metallic silver paint, it has received its annual MoT test certificate there every year (until recently) and, for the last three years, locally, in the Dorking area. Complete with the original owner’s pack and history back to 1996, this example looks unused and with just 5,800 recorded, I am not surprised.