We are very pleased to offer a very special piece of Mini Cooper history, not only is this awesome Mini a very rare RSP Limited edition, it is also just one of around 50 examples that were converted to Cooper “S” specification by John Cooper Garages making this Cooper very rare and also amazing to drive. It has only covered 50k in 36 years with just three previous owners. It is accompanied with a highly detailed history folder which dates back to 1990 and includes the original bill of sale. Registered new by Caffyns of Eastbourne. Included is the all important conversion documents detailing the upgrades with invoices and the conversion certificate. This Cooper is number
0038-S.
RSP was a special department inside Rover and it stood for Rover Special Products. Only 1600 RSP Minis were produced as a pre production Mini Cooper to test the market to see if the appetite for a Mini Cooper was still there, it was and these special Minis sold out instantly which paved the way for the Cooper relaunch. 1050 stayed in the UK in three colours and very few remain in this condition. They have many unique details that were only ever fitted to the RSP such as the Tudor sunroof, Minilite wheels with a unique stud pattern, half leather seats with a Cooper emblem, colour coded wheel arches and mirrors and unique spotlights. They have always been a very coveted edition as they are true carb Cooper with bags of power. This a correct matching numbers example with all of its original features.
In 1990 as a brand new Mini it was converted to “S” spec by Cooper Garages, briefly this comprised of increasing power and torque and continuing with the Cooper ethos of extracting more power. The Cooper S pack included a fully worked through cylinder head, gas flowed with bigger valves and springs, twin SU carbs, an uprated exhaust system, 3.44 final drive for higher top speed, adjustable suspension and wider profile tyres. The end results were the Mini that Rover should have produced, nearly 80 BHP and much quicker to 60 MPH but more than that it gives the Mini excellent power flexibility and the ability to really enjoy the handling.
On the road this Cooper is an excellent experience. Make no mistake this is a drivers car it just gives you that feel as soon as its out on the open road. The low mileage 1275 engine is very smooth with free revving power throughout the rev range, it happily accelerates from any speed and any gear and has that wonderful twin carb soundtrack. The gearbox is taught and precise and the handling is fantastic. I have always been a big fan of RSP Coopers but this one takes it to another level of driving experience and grin factor.
The interior is very well presented and illustrates this Mini cared for life. It was fitted with very supportive leather Corbeau GTS reclining seats when it was brand new at a cost of £700 and it was also treated to that beautiful John Cooper steering wheel at the same time. It has its original carpets, door cards and roof liner. This model also has rear seat belts and benefits from an upgraded Kenwood stereo with Bluetooth.
This RSP has a very well preserved shell and has all of its original panels, body coloured floor pans and inner arches, the correct vented sills and recent rear subframe. The engine bay is also nicely detailed with of all of its correct features. The paintwork is gleaming and belies its vintage. This Cooper could easily sit proudly on display at any show, but is much happier being driven. What it does do is give you access to a very exclusive Mini club offering excellent provenance and being super rare.
Viewings are welcome and I am happy to answer questions you may have either through here or on 07752414395 or 01425 839617 (Paul)
Two walk round videos are also available.
We also offer a delivery service.
We are constantly preparing Classic Minis for sale so please get in touch with your requirements as we are always happy to help.
Thanks for looking.
