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So to my surprise after reading an article in mini magazine I found out that I had a very special limited edition mini. The Mini Cooper RSP was introduced in 1990 to reintroduce the Mini Cooper to the Mini range. The car was the brainchild of the original creator of the Mini Cooper, John Cooper. He'd been selling Cooper conversions in boxes to mainly Japanese customers and he did a conversion on a few Mini Rose/Sky and Flames in 998cc form. The Rover Group, and more Graham Day, the Rover MD, asked John Cooper to come into Longbridge one day to tell him that they liked what he'd been doing to the Mini and what did he think THEY should do next. The result was that the Mini was sent to Rover Special Products and they decided to put the MG Metro 1275cc engine in with the Mini 30 type interior and a few special other bits, this is now known as the Mini Cooper RSP or sometimes LE (for limited edition). 1650 RSP Coopers were built, 600 going to other countries like Japan, Germany and South Africa, while the remaining 1050 stayed in Britain.
This example of a mini is mainly standard on the outside to keep it looking original so it keeps its arches and wheels, I have changed the wipers and wing mirrors for chrome ones as I thought it looked better. I have kept the originals so if you want them you can have them to revert back to proper colour coded green ones and black wipers. Also I changed the number plate light surround to a chrome one, I have also kept the old colour coded green one, so same thing again.
Interior wise I have changed the door cards (front and back) for some Black with red stitching, to match in with the red carpets and steering wheel. I replaced the uncomfortable front seats to some lovely Recaro Recliners, and had them re-trimmed (with the back seats) in the same back with red stitching. Also when I had the fronts done I got them embroidered with the cooper logo and heated seat elements fitted. The heated seats are not wired in atm as I have not had the time, but it would be a relatively simple job to do. (the wiring harness for this will be included). I have kept all of the original RSP interior so if you want to revert it back you can have it with the sale of this mini.
The boot has been fitted with a boot lining kit, which basically covers everything up and makes for a much nearer, tidier and usable space. Normally the boot is bare metal and fuel tank/spare wheel/battery on show.
I have also fitted a Black Lacquered dashboard, which enables you to have the radio in a normal position (usually under the passenger side lower dash rail). Also this included three 52mm dial holes which I have filled with a voltmeter, oil pressure (most important in a mini) and a vacuum gauge which aids in monitoring fuel economy. All of which come illuminated and all work. The radio shown in the pictures will not be included I will be putting in the JVC one I got with it. This has CD and Radio functionality.
Engine wise I have fitted a "stage one" kit. This comprises of a Maniflow LCB (long centre branch) manifold with a twin silencer side exit system. Maniflow make very high quality systems so will last a very long time. I have also fitted a high flow ITG Foam air filter with stub stack. I had the mini then set up on a rolling road (Slark Race Engineering in salisbury), this consisted of needle re-profile and optimum adjustment of the fuel/air-mixture as well as distributor advance adjusting. In the end it got 69BHP. This can be backed up with the printouts. So all in all this makes for a nice quick engine, with much more acceleration than standard, so very fun to drive!
I have also fitted full adjustable suspension (adjustable camber and castor), with polly bushes, adjustable Spax dampers and Hilo's to adjust the ride height. Standard minis no not have adjustable geometry suspension like modern cars so this improved the minis "go-cart" handing even more, making for a brilliant drive. I only managed to get the front suspension done (the most important for handling) so the rear is still standard. Ll the part needed for converting it will be included in the sale. (hi-lo's adjustable dampers). Its a very simple job to change the rear suspension springs and dampers over and only a simple socket and spanner set is needed.
Comes with all keys with all spares, pretty good for a car of its age!
In regards to the body work it will need some work done. The usual places of panels will need to be replaced, but all in all its a pretty solid car.
I am looking for £3750 ono, in light of it limited special edition, not many left!
Mileage at time of listing: 93,415
Tax till end of September
MOT till 11th September
