Several Classic Minis Up For Auction in November

The original Mini was produced by BMC from 1959, and continued until 2000 having been produced by Austin, Morris and Rover. For many, it remains the ‘real’ Mini, being both the star of the iconic film The Italian Job, and also a hugely popular first car. But the handling of the little Mini also meant it excelled in a range of motorsports, and the uprated Cooper and Cooper S were lusted after by more than young drivers. Which is why it’s exciting to see several classic Minis up for auction in November.

And having spent time as a child in both a black Mini City and a mid-90s 1.3i Cooper, I can imagine there will be some buyers interested in some relatively affordable classics which will only go up in price.

In less than two decades since the last Issigonis designed Mini rolled off the production line, prices have continued to climb. And there’s no reason to think that’s likely to change, meaning it’s a good time to invest from just a few thousand pounds.

We’ll run through the list, starting with the most expensive star of the show…

1990 Rover Mini Cooper RSP

This was the Mini that revived the Cooper name in time for Britpop, New Labour and a new generation. The RSP (Rover Special Products) wasn’t quite as potent as the 1960s version, but as a more accessible modern version it was popular enough to bring the Cooper back into full production.

With just 293 miles from new on the clocks, it seems that the two registered keepers didn’t enjoy it as much as they should. It also means that the auction price is estimated to be between £17,500 and £22,500.

Also for auction is a 1989 ERA Mini Turbo, which has covered 18,000 miles from new. The fastest of the classic Minis with a turbocharged 1275cc engine, the ERA was also one of the rarest with just 337 made. This example is number 12 of those produced and is estimated to sell for between £14,000 to £16,000.

If you like older, more traditional classics, there’s a 1969 Austin Mini 1000 Mk 2 Countryman which is one of just 58 Austin Woodies currently known to the Mini Register, and is priced at between £11,000 to £13,000.

Then there are the 1980s examples. They include a 1985 Mini 1000 City E which has been fitted with a 1293cc engine and gearbox estimated at £2,500 to £3,500, a 1986 Mini Mayfair kept in one family since new, with a manual gearbox and 48,000 miles estimated at £3,00 to £4,000, and a 1982 Mini Mayfair Automatic offered with no reserve.

Which just leaves a 1996 Rover Mini Sprite with the registration plate M1 NYW, and with the same owner since 1999, covering 69,700 miles and priced at £4,000 to £5,000.

So from a Mini Mayfair with no reserve to a £20,000 Rover Mini Cooper RSP, there’s something to appeal to any Mini fan.