Lot 220 - 1995 Rover Mini SPi Cooper Supercharged

The Mini was manufactured by the British Motor Corporation and its successors from 1959 until 2000. The original Mini was considered a British icon of the 1960’s having influenced a generation of car makers. In 1999, the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century behind the Ford Model T and thus rather than ending production, it continued evolving and in 1988, the Austin Mini became the Rover Mini. The Mini is synonymous with special editions, sporty upgrades and modifications, the broad appeal meant Mini's can be found in various guises from factory John Cooper works to bespoke builds.

This 1995 Rover Mini started life innocently enough as a standard Cooper, but well known Mini owner and enthusiast George Harris was on the lookout for a new project. He had recently created a well-known and widely publicised twin Hayabusa engine powered Mini in 2015. He purchased the car from a fellow Mini Club member and his initial plans were to simply back date the more modern Rover Mini, these plans soon went out the window when his friend purchased a Singer built Porsche and George fell in love with it. George did not have the funds for a Singer but he was inspired to construct his Mini with a similar philosophy, in his own words "a classic hot-rod, 911 inspired Mini". As a 60's period racer was the intended style, George fitted Mk. I rear lights and cut the lip off the bonnet of a Mk. I grille, however, much of the work was outsourced to OSC Bodyworks in Chessington, they fitted the Heritage panels.

The Mini was finished in flame red with an Old English White roof. Once painted, the shell was sent to Wood and Pickett for sub-frames and a new running gear, which included Cooper S front disc assembly that allowed for the race style Rose Petal wheels with Hi-Los and Gaz dampers. The original 1275 SPi engine is far from standard; it was bored out to 1293cc and fully rebuilt, including a supercharger kit from VmaxScart and Webber carburettor, this culminated in an estimated power output in the region of 140bhp, which looks fantastic and sounds amazing. The interior is where the 911 had the clearest influence on George; Cobra GT bucket seats were installed with matching rear trim and the dash wrapped in the same material. The Race Tech harnesses were another nod to the Singer Porsche, as was the six point roll cage. There were numerous other enhancements and they are detailed in Mini Magazine, August 2017, a copy of this can be found in the cars history file.

This is a fully bespoke and unique Mini. The engine is still being run in and as such the full potential is yet to be realised, but it will be a lot of fun finding out the limits of this little Cooper. Accompanying this Mini is a new MoT test certificate and a good history file, including invoices and receipts. You would be hard pushed to find something as well built, entertaining and at such an attractive estimate as this little Mini.