13 replies to this topic

[BaggieBoy]

Can anyone please tell me what are the distinguishing features of a Cooper Sports 500?

Mine is a Sportspack, built in August 2000. It is Tahiti Blue, with a Platinum silver roof and
matching bonnet stripes. It has a rear window brake light. Other than the plaque in the glove box,
is that the only difference?

[minimaxie]

The seats should be black n silver too

http://500.247id.net/ have a look on there might be of some help to you

Quote" The above Final Classic Editions limited 2500 mention nothing of the rare and much sought after, Classic Cooper Sport 500. These where made at the end of the line, and are a separate batch of 500 that see in the end of the Mini’s production. There is much confusion of these Minis with the Classic Cooper Sports, (Non 500s), which have the same body spec, trim spec, and were also available in the same colours. The 500s however, were only ever made in the sports pack version with Platinum Silver roofs. There are many other tell tale signs if you own a 500 or looking for one. All genuine 500s came with a rear high-level brake light in the rear window. However, this doesn’t mean that all cars with these are 500s. The lights were fitted to all Minis towards the end of production as the law changed, but there are non 500s and others without them and are a quick external check for owners or buyers of true 500s. The other identifiable item fitted only to 500s is a dash plaque that is mounted within the glove box compartment. This plaque states ’’THIS MINI IS ONE OF THE LAST 500 BUILT TO THE ORIGINAL SIR ALEC ISSIGONIS DESIGN’’. These plaques should only be fitted to the Cooper Sport 500s. Failing that fall back on the Chassis Number."

Edited by minimaxie, 03 September 2012 - 10:45 AM.

[BaggieBoy]

Yes, I have these too.
So is it just the plaque that I am missing?

Attached Files

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[minimaxie]

Are you missing the plaque then? did you also get a certificate saying its a genuine 500 signed by John Cooper garages?

Quote:
The Cooper Sport 500s also received special gifts with the purchase of the car, the owners received a Cooper Sport 500 shoulder bag full of many Mini branded accessories including: a Mini Cap, a T-shirt, and a Fleece. The only other important item is a certificate that states the car is a genuine Cooper Sport 500 and on this it states the chassis number and is signed by John Cooper and Kevin Howe.

Also get yourself on the Mini Cooper register mate, there's lot of help and info on there. IF you do have a legitimate, Cooper Sport 500, hold onto it for dear life, and really look after it (not that you wouldn't) they are super rare, and hold a special place in value on the market and will only go up and up for a good example! Them and the RSP Coopers are my favourite, something so limited edition about them that I love!

Edited by minimaxie, 03 September 2012 - 12:24 PM.

[DanFuke]

Ah so my car is designed to look like an cooper sport 500.....even though it was built in 85 lol

[minimaxie]

Not gonna lie. I would have mine looking like a Cooper Sport 500 if I could afford the seats, the allu dash, the Steering wheel and the roof lol

[BaggieBoy]

My car is not one of the 500, but I saw a few at Uttoxeter at the weekend, and other than the plaque, I couldn't see any difference.

[jb93]

My car is not one of the 500, but I saw a few at Uttoxeter at the weekend, and other than the plaque, I couldn't see any difference.

They aren't really. Rover stuck plaques in 500 so they could shift the last few

[minimaxie]

There isn't any difference mate, just the plaque and the certificate of authentification. Yours will be one of the last Cooper Sports before they did the 500 version. Even still dude, yours is a rare car, in them colour schemes and interior options, you have yourself a lovely Cooper Sports, and should be very proud of it I'm honestly very jealous, I would love to own a last edition Cooper Sportspack in that colour scheme or BRG metallic.

Check the chassis plate on yours to verify what model of Cooper it is. Like I said, get yourself on the Mini Cooper register. They're very helpful people who know everything there is to know about limited editions and last of the lot Coopers

[BaggieBoy]

Will do mate. Thanks for the advise, and for the kind words.

[minimaxie]

No worries mate glad to help. Apparently the Facebook Cooper Sport 500 page is more active, might be worth a try on there too for good measure.

EDIT: Oh by the way, get some pics up in show 'n' shine of that lovely Cooper Sport you have! From your profile pic it looks a minter!

Max

Edited by minimaxie, 03 September 2012 - 02:37 PM.

[mininuts]

Also have a look around here

http://500.247id.net/

[hennasxi]

Drop me an email if you like - [email protected]. I currently run the 500 register and we are currently thinking about launching a new club the 2000miniregister to cater for all the last 'classic' range. Check out the 500 website as mentioned before, or the new 2000miniregister site I have setup to see how much interest there is in a club specifically for the last 2500 cars + the 500's. As well as the 500 register, I've started registers for the 7, Classic Cooper and late Cooper sports like yours, which is why the 2000miniregister makes sense as a club. It will compliment the 1959 register nicely too. This last year its been difficult getting enough 500's on the register stand, so I think widening the appeal to all the late classics will add variety and numbers to the displays. The new site is www.2000miniregister.com

By the way, my Green 500 was at Uttoxeter on the Cooper Sport 500 Register stand (we had four cars there).

Cheers,
Andy

Edited by hennasxi, 19 December 2012 - 03:48 PM.

[hennasxi]

Also have a look around here

http://500.247id.net/

That website address no longer works. There is a new 500 website at www.coopersport500register.co.uk - same people, new website & forum!

Edited by hennasxi, 19 December 2012 - 03:50 PM.