1996 Rover Mini Sprite

***Pictures provided by seller***

Highlights


・Very original car
・Great condition 
・Original wheels supplied with car
・Brand new MOT with no advisories

The Background 

Britain's definitive small car, the mini got the recipe for fun and compact packaging right and barely changed in decades. Alec Isigonis’ masterpiece, it was packed with innovation and was totally classless, as much at home with working class families to rockstars and royalty.

The Sprite replaced the City as a popular package, gaining a 1.3 litre engine and seats based on the Rover 200’s. Notable for their go kart handling, these are still one of the most fun cars on the road regardless of trim level,

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The History 

This is a very original car, it has not needed restoration work and is not believed to have been welded, and in in’s factory paint, but has had a new door at some point.

It has just had an oil service and the alloy wheels and new tyres are a recent addition and only done a couple of thousand miles.

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The Paperwork 

The car comes with its original owners books, the handbook and service book with stamps from its early years. It has the V5 in the owners name and a fresh MOT valid until October 2022.

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The Interior

With only 22,000 miles on the clock the interior shows almost no signs of wear.

The seat fabric has the classic ‘90s Rover pattern and has lasted well, there are no marks and it barely shows the chairs have been sat in. The matching fabric door cards are also in top condition, as are the black plastic window winder, door pull and other furniture.

The dash top is in fine shape, not cracked or damaged, and the original steering shows no wear. The black carpet and white headlining are also unmarked.

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The Exterior

The car is in very good original condition, a door has been replaced but that is believed to be the extent of work to the car.

The paint is bright, shiny and smooth and the Sprite graphics are as they should be, but as it has been around for 25 years there are a few small blemishes in the form of the odd stone chip and tiny park park ding and some bubbling in the lacquer in places and a small scuff on the near side rear corner below the light. The chrome bumpers are in great condition as is the other brightwork such as the grill and light surrounds.

There doesn't appear to be any sign of corrosion in the doors or sills and under the car is clean black underseal, which has flaked in a couple of spots but could easily be sorted out.

New white alloy wheels and tyres were fitted about 1000 miles ago so they still have very deep tread, and the original wheels are included in the sale if wanted.

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Mechanics

Mechanically these are very simple cars, and it has just had an oil service.

The engine bay appears very original and undisturbed. Looking under the car there is a very new looking exhaust pipe, and the tyres are recent.

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The Appeal


Models like the Sprite capture the essence of the original Mini, basic, simple and fun with total connection to the driver - you down need to go fast to have fun, just find a corner and grin, and there is something appealing about an original unmolested car, and the low miles only add to that appeal


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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1996
  • Make Rover
  • Model Mini Sprite
  • Colour Blue
  • Odometer 22,700 Miles
  • Engine size 1275
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Buckinghamshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
11 bids from 7 bidders
  • ma•••• £6,000 30/10/21
  • co•••• £5,900 28/10/21
  • ma•••• £5,800 28/10/21
  • co•••• £5,600 27/10/21
  • SL•••• £5,500 25/10/21
  • Fr•••• £5,000 25/10/21
  • Pe•••• £4,700 24/10/21
  • Fr•••• £4,000 23/10/21
  • Po•••• £2,500 22/10/21
  • SL•••• £1,200 22/10/21
Message C&C Auction Team

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