1992 Rover Mini 'British Open Classic' Saloon

• Rare 'special edition' Mini
• One of 1,000 UK-market examples

'The new Mini was as different from the British small car norm in 1959 as a space shuttle from a firework. It bristled with innovative ideas, it looked radically different from any other car and was the most compact "real" car Britain ever produced.' – Chris Rees, 'Complete Classic Mini'.
One of the most influential automobiles of all time, the Alec Issigonis-designed Mini debuted in 1959 to universal acclaim. True, there had been numerous front-wheel-drive designs before the Mini's arrival, but the transverse engine layout allowed Issigonis to create a trend-setting masterpiece of automotive packaging. Less than two-and-a-half years after its initial conception the Mini was officially launched at the 1959 Motor Show, having been shown to the motoring press eight days previously. BMC chose to market the car as the 'Austin Se7en' and 'Morris Mini Minor' before 'Mini' became a marque in its own right in 1969. In due course estate and van versions arrived, larger engines became available, more luxurious Riley and Wolseley models joined the line-up and the sporting Mini Cooper was introduced. The early Mk1 had the 848cc A-Series engine, rubber cone suspension and floor-mounted starter button, the latter two features being replaced by Hydrolastic suspension and key starting respectively in 1964.
'Special Edition' Minis first appeared in the mid-1970s and that offered here is an example of one of the two 1992 offerings, the Mini 'British Open Classic', the other being the Mini 'Italian Job'. Finished in British Racing Green metallic, the 'Open Classic' was the first special edition to be based on the new 1.3-litre Mini and the first UK-market model with a folding sunroof, the latter electrically operated.
Being one of just 1, 000 built, this example has been subject to recent restoration works. The car upgrades include being resprayed in British Racing Green with an added touch of sparkle, along with a stage one kit (including LCB manifold & single box, manifold exhaust, fitted with 13 x 7" Minilite wheels and sportpack arches, custom made alum chequer-plate dash with centre clock, Hi-Lo's Spa adjustable dampers, poly bushes, aluminium radiator and copper lines). The suspension was set up by Southam Mini & Metro Centre. Displaying 55,233 miles on the odometer, the car comes with V5, 2 keys, handbook and service log.