BRITISH BEEF FOR SUNDAY LUNCH: 1990 MINI COOPER

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Great at being a city car, supreme for bringing a smile to your face and ultimately huge value, the 1990 revival of the Mini Cooper name brought budget fun back to the masses. Offering all the charisma from the original incarnation, but oh-so-much cheaper to purchase, here we have a 1990 example seeking a new home.

 

Such was the success and rightness of Alec Issigonis’s intricate small car design that not only were plans to cease Mini production brought to a halt in 1987, but after the MK III arrived there was very little left to improve. Other than trim levels and equipment packages the Mini remained almost unchanged until increasing safety legislations killed Blighty’s world-beater off in October 2000. 

The Cooper name made a return in 1990 after a 19-year break, thanks to a brief run by RSP (Rover Special Products). Although these Coopers were detuned to provide less power than the 1960s variants, the vehicles success led to full-scale production by September of that year. In the interests of economy the sunroof, spotlights and bonnet stripes were dumped - although they were available as optional extras.  Upholstery became cloth and interior colours were parted with in favour of black carpets and trim. Madonna appeared to love hers, apparently too scared to drive a big car through London. 

From 1992 onwards, Mini Coopers were fitted with fuel-injection together with a multi-point engine system introduced for 1997 - alongside claimed ‘safety improvements’ thanks to a drivers airbag and seat belt pre-tensioners.  This made the Mini Cooper more desirable than ever, and ironically even more popular with thieves and boy-racers. 

Yet, for basic charm and driving pedigree within a price bracket for mere mortals, the early re-emergence models from the year of Margaret Thatcher’s resignation are the ones to find. Not yet viewed as the preferred Mini Cooper, its time in the market as a bargain won’t last much longer. Here we have the perfect example. 

First registered in November 1990, this Mini Cooper 1300 appears to be in great condition, having covered only 15,873 miles throughout its 26-year existence. With a moody and understated stance alongside the ability to crack 60mph from a standstill in 12 seconds thanks to 62bhp, this one even comes with a full MoT and a warranty. Old school motoring ready to go. What are you waiting for?

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