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Collector Cars Auction
12
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1990 – Mini 1000 Special French registration certificate Cha…
See original version (French)
12
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1990 – Mini 1000 Special French registration certificate Cha…
See original version (French)
Estimate €8,000 - €10,000
Voluntary lot
Description
1990 – Mini 1000 Special
French registration certificate
Chassis no. SAXXL2S1021460739
Engine no. 99HE20124959
- The final iteration of the carburettor-equipped Mini 1000 before the arrival of the 1275 and fuel-injection models
- ‘Special’ version featuring superior finish and styling cues from the Cooper
- Gloss black paintwork with contrasting white trim and high-beam headlights
- Originally from France, fourth owner with a full service history
- Bodywork in good condition and interior with grey upholstery very well preserved
- In excellent working order and only 71,650 km on the clock, with up-to-date servicing
The full history and additional photos for each vehicle are available via the following Drive link (access must be requested):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lGJ4wjEQFbPZQt2r2CTdicpUI9SYtqUK?usp=share_link
The Mini, designed in the late 1950s by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) based on a design by Alec Issigonis, quickly became a major cultural and automotive icon. Conceived as a response to the Suez Crisis by offering a modern entry-level car as an alternative to archaic microcars, it revolutionised the segment with its compact 850 cm³ transverse engine and small 10-inch wheels, thereby optimising 80 per cent of the interior space for passengers and their luggage.
Launched in 1959 under the names Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor, the Mini measured just 3.05 metres in length and weighed around 600 kg, offering remarkable road holding and driving pleasure. Although modest at first, it quickly won over the general public, thanks to its wide range of body styles (saloon, estate, pick-up, Moke) and sports versions, notably the Mini Cooper.
The latter, developed by engineer John Cooper, transformed the small car into a sporting icon, as early as 1961 with the 997 cm³ Cooper sports version, followed by its ultimate S variant with a 1,071 cm³ engine in 1964, which was increased to 1,275 cm³ the following year. It claimed its first victory at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, cementing its legendary status.
Rooted in the Swinging Sixties, the Mini became a symbol of British pop culture, boosted by its adoption by celebrities, its numerous film appearances, and its style, which became synonymous with ‘cool’.
The Mini continued to evolve: hydrolastic suspension in 1964, the Mk II in 1967 with a modified grille and rear window, the Mk III in 1969 with concealed door hinges and wind-down front windows, then the Mk IV in 1976 with disc brakes, before adopting electronic fuel injection in 1992. In 1969, Mini became an independent brand, but production of the Cooper ceased in 1971 following the end of the agreement between British Leyland and John Cooper. The classic Mini continued to be produced by various manufacturers and in different versions until production ceased in 2000.
As such, the Mini 1000 Special is one of the final iterations of the classic Mini. Marketed in France under the Mini brand, it retained its revolutionary design, a robust 998 cm³ A-Series engine, its rubber-cone suspension and a kerb weight of around 620 kg, but featured 12-inch wheels with front disc brakes. The Special trim also stands out for its wheel arch extensions, its more refined finish and its enhanced equipment compared to the entry-level versions. It is distinguished by its lightness, exceptional manoeuvrability and dynamic handling. A true icon of British motoring, the Mini 1000 Special thus remains an essential benchmark in the world of classic cars to this day.
In 1994, BMW acquired Mini and launched the first modern Mini in 2001 (R50, R56, F55, etc.), available in several body styles (convertible, estate, 4x4, coupé) and accompanied by numerous special editions, thereby perpetuating the brand’s iconic status.
With over 5.3 million units produced, the Mini remains a global success and a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of innovation, sportiness and British pop culture, whose remarkable history shows no sign of coming to an end!
The Mini on display is one of the final iterations of the classic Mini, as it is a 1000 Special version that was both more advanced and better equipped than others of its time.
Originally from France, this Mini has had only four owners, the first of whom was a couple who kept it throughout their various moves for over 23 years, until 2013 according to the Histovec report.
In 2015, it was modernised by the specialist Auto BMC in Vienna with a number of Mini Cooper-style aesthetic features, such as the grille and door handles, as well as the fitting of additional long-range headlights, white bonnet stripes and a roof repainted in white. 12-inch Minilight-style alloy wheels were also fitted subsequently. As a result, it looks particularly attractive today.
As evidenced by the accompanying documentation, this car has always been properly looked after and maintained. Although it has never been restored, it is currently in good running order, with the interior in particular retaining its original condition very well.
Furthermore, its very reasonable mileage of 71,650 km – for a car over 35 years old – is the original reading.
It has recently undergone a full service and is therefore in good working order. During our test drive, we were delighted to rediscover the particularly playful character of this timeless little car.
Both stylish and practical, and a fine example of a classic car with its interesting history, good condition and well-maintained appearance, this Mini lives up to the brand’s famous motto: a Mini that gives it its all!
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits:
Fabian Breton, Quentin Decorps, Célia Huart, Alexis Ruben
See original version (French)
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