1990 – Mini 1000 Special - Lot 27

1990 – Mini 1000 Special French registration certificate Chassis No. SAXXL2S1021460739 Engine No. 99HE20124959 - The final iteration of the carbureted Mini 1000 before the arrival of the 1275 and fuel injection models - Special version featuring premium trim and Cooper-style styling elements - Gloss black paint with contrasting white accents and high-beam headlights - Car of French origin, fourth owner with a complete service history - Body in good condition and interior with gray upholstery in very good condition - Runs perfectly and has only 71,650 original miles with up-to-date service The Mini, designed in the late 1950s by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) based on a project by Alec Issigonis, quickly became a major cultural and automotive icon. Designed to address the Suez Crisis by offering a modern entry-level car as an alternative to archaic microcars, it revolutionized the segment with its compact 850 cc transverse engine and small 10-inch wheels, thus optimizing 80% 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 meters and weighed about 600 kg, offering remarkable handling and driving pleasure. Initially modest, it quickly won over the general public, driven by its wide range of body styles (sedan, station wagon, pickup, Moke) and sporty versions, notably the Mini Cooper. The latter, developed by engineer John Cooper, transformed the small car into a sports icon, starting in 1961 with the 997-cc Cooper sports version, followed by its ultimate S variant with a 1,071-cc engine in 1964, which was increased to 1,275 cc 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, propelled 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 roll-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 ended 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 retains its revolutionary architecture, a robust 998 cc A-Series engine, its rubber cone suspension, and a weight of approximately 620 kg, but with 12-inch wheels and front disc brakes. The Special trim also stands out for its fender flares, its more refined appearance, and its enhanced equipment compared to the entry-level versions. It is distinguished by its lightness, exceptional handling, and dynamic road performance. A true symbol of British motoring, the Mini 1000 Special remains an essential benchmark in the world of classic cars today. In 1994, BMW acquired Mini and launched the first modern Mini in 2001 (R50, R56, F55, etc.), available in several variants (convertible, station wagon, 4x4, coupe) 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 run shows no signs of ending! The Mini presented here 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. Of French origin, this Mini has had only four owners, the first of whom was a couple who kept it throughout their moves for over 23 years, until 2013 according to the Histovec report. In 2015, it was modernized by the specialist Auto BMC in Vienna with some Mini Cooper styling elements, such as the grille, door handles, and the addition of long-range auxiliary lights, white hood stripes, and a white-repainted roof. 12-inch Minilight-style wheels were also installed later. As a result, it has a particularly attractive appearance today. As evidenced by