2001 Mini Classic Mini Sport 500

KEY FACTS A highly iconic, collectible and characterful limited-edition modern British classic car, representing the final iteration of the original Rover Mini, the Cooper Sport 500. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.3-litre inline-four engine, driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. First registered in January 2001, this example has had one keeper from new. This Mini Cooper Sport 500 is one of the last 500 Minis ever built to the original Sir Alec Issigonis design, with all examples produced as a limited edition; with a special metal commemoration plate found on the inside of the glove compartment. The odometer shows a modest 51,921 miles from new. EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES The Cooper Sport model was produced as a run-out special edition to commemorate the end of Mini production, which featured ‘Sports Pack’ extended wheel arches, 13-inch Minilite alloy wheels, quad front spot lamps, a two-tone black and silver leather-trimmed interior, and a machine-turned aluminium dashboard with magnolia gauges. This example is finished in the attractive hue of Tahiti Blue with a contrasting Platinum Silver roof, door mirrors and racing stripes, over a Black and Nickel-Silver leather-trimmed interior, featuring an aluminium gear knob, door handles, and window winders. It rides on a set of 13-inch Minilite alloy wheels with green centre caps, fitted with Yokohama A539 tyres. Equipment includes quad front spotlights, chrome front and rear nudge bars, a heated rear screen, push-out rear windows, an analogue clock, a European-spec 12-volt lighter socket, and basic heater and ventilation controls. The engine was upgraded in 2010 with a Bill Richards Racing ‘Chamber Profile Fast Road’ cylinder head specification. This example is also fitted with a Pioneer Radio Cassette stereo with multi CD changer, though the original stereo is included in the sale. The seller notes that a tracker has always been fitted to the car and it was replaced with an updated unit in