2000 Rover Mini Cooper Sportspack

[Robin_Hood]

So sometimes things happen when you least expect it...

I had always promised myself a Classic Mini at some stage, either to keep and run for a couple of summers or look for a long term 'keeper'
As you do trailing through classifieds lying in bed on a Saturday morning I spotted this 2 owner 2000 Rover Mini Cooper Sportspack for sale in the South, the car was first registered originally in the UK.

A call to the dealer and a few pics/videos later I had left a deposit on a car I hadn't seen.. least of all a Mini which we all know are usually rotton lol

Getting a trailer organised and about to hit the road my FIL mentioned that he had a relative lived within 15min and previously worked on Mini's... Result!
Phone call later and said relative headed off to view the Mini.. And came back with some great news, car was very genuine, 42k miles, lots of history, needed a few bits tidied up but nothing major (Service, Tyres, Brakes etc) and the main factor it wasn't rotton, it had been dry stored all its life.

So this is it.. after I have spent the last couple of days cleaning it.

2000 Rover Mini Cooper Sportspack
#840 of the last 1000 Minis
42,500 Miles
British Racing Green & Silver
13" Alloy Wheels

New exhaust, laurel, pin & bonnet stripes ordered plus full service kit from MiniSpares

I'm currently in the process of going through import to N.I, MOT hopefully in July and enjoy the rest of the summer with it

Should make a nice match with my other Mini

 

[Coog]

That looks lovely

 

[big_pete]

Cooper Sport 500's are lovely! Looks a great example.

Almost have my Dad's 98 Cooper LE back on the road for the first time in 15 years, trying to talk him into sportspack wheels and arches!

 

[Laundrymike]

Cooper Sport 500's are lovely! Looks a great example.

Almost have my Dad's 98 Cooper LE back on the road for the first time in 15 years, trying to talk him into sportspack wheels and arches!

If he likes driving it - don't! The sportspack wheels/arches look great, but they hurt the ride quality and handling IMO

Looks lovely @Robin_Hood any mods planned?

 

[big_pete]

If he likes driving it - don't! The sportspack wheels/arches look great, but they hurt the ride quality and handling IMO

Looks lovely @Robin_Hood any mods planned?

He potters about, it won't be absolutely thrashed like mine

 

[southsky sunrise]

Two lovely cars, not usually a fan of the bmw ones but like a well put together woman.... you’ve a nice pair

 

[Carson]

That’s cool !

 

[davyk31]

Beautiful!

 

[veedubnoodle]

This brings back my want for a classic Mini. I always wanted one for my first car way back when but couldn't find one clean enough on a shoe string budget so abandoned the idea.

Makes a lovely match to your newer one

 

[jonny.92]

That looks fantastic, HTD

 

[biffy.2008]

Aww fantastic that’s the model I’ve always wanted. Would never own one until I’ve a lottery win though and the wife gets everything she wanted too. (She doesn’t have the same liking towards them) haha

They demand serious money anytime ive ever had a peek

 

[Mr.Mint]

Lovely and I am very Biased towards the Green.

Health to Enjoy.

 

[martybelfastsri]

thats lovely with all the charm off an older version can see the actraction with it ,

 

[Stebo]

lovely

 

[Robin_Hood]

Great time see lots of love for the Mini

Cooper Sport 500's are lovely! Looks a great example.

Almost have my Dad's 98 Cooper LE back on the road for the first time in 15 years, trying to talk him into sportspack wheels and arches!

It was seeing your thread over recent weeks put me in the notion again

If he likes driving it - don't! The sportspack wheels/arches look great, but they hurt the ride quality and handling IMO

Looks lovely @Robin_Hood any mods planned?

I know the 13” wheels aren't the best for handeling but they look fantastic.

No, mods planned atm. Have ordered 4 new Yokohama A539 today and waiting on MiniSpares box to arrive with RC40 larger bore side exit with a few other general service bits.

Aww fantastic that’s the model I’ve always wanted. Would never own one until I’ve a lottery win though and the wife gets everything she wanted too. (She doesn’t have the same liking towards them) haha

They demand serious money anytime ive ever had a peek

I’ve told my Mrs that in a few years time it might help pay for a new kitchen & that it'll help our young lad learn about cars

 

[EF Ian]

Shes a beauty. love it, nice buy.

 

[Robin_Hood]

MOT booked for 20th July, on the charge now to get a few service bits tidied up.

Nothing like some new rubber! 4 Yokohama A539 for £310 fitted.

 

[Robin_Hood]

Busy few weeks on the Mini getting ready for its first MOT in N.I.

Front Discs and pads all replaced, new front wheel bearings, rear brakes cleaned and all working well.

Exhaust replaced with RC40 Large Bore, kept the Cat on so it’s bearable to drive.

Slight oil leak from the gear linkage, so this was replaced with a new seal kit and pin

Spark plugs had seen better days so these were replaced along with oil and all filters.

Coolant flushed and radiator cleaned out but the cabin was not getting hot air, turned out the heater matrix was blocked up and the heater control valve stuck closed. This was all taken apart and cleaned, and now working perfectly again.

I’ll not put a pic of the coolant but it wasn‘t changed for a time

Windscreen Washer bottle taken out and cleaned along with boot area and spare wheel. Boot carpet all cleaned and protected with gTechniq and trickle charger added.

Engine bay cleaned up and new coolant cap fitted along with original style tags, and air filter replaced with K&N.

3 stage polish and protected with Fusso 99, plates fitted, all lights checked and ready for MOT this week

 

[Dave..]

Looks well. My 1100 Special (in 81) had a centre exhaust and the fumes used to come in through the holes in the floor. It did about 15mpg but sounded great.

 

[Robin_Hood]

New MOT experience today, delighted to have passed with no advisories.

Onto the next stage of the import process!

 

[zafturbo]

Beautiful little car ,did you have any luck with insurance from them people the other day .?

 

[Robin_Hood]

Beautiful little car ,did you have any luck with insurance from them people the other day .?

I did try them but they weren't able to help me out..
Insurance sorted with Autoline, very reasonable and helpful sorting things nice and quickly.