Passed Test
Posted 20 February 2014 - 08:45 PM
Hi I'd like to import a limited edition mini from the early 90s but could do with some advice...
What would be your preference for a car that you would hold as a classic for a few years?
I know a bit about the ERA turbo but it's hard to find one that is original.
Are you able to give me some background on the first two cars below:
Edited by kiwiminime, 20 February 2014 - 08:46 PM.
A little bit little
Posted 20 February 2014 - 09:22 PM
Crazy About Mini's
Posted 20 February 2014 - 09:32 PM
The body kit on the bottom two is awful (just my opinion)
A little bit little
Posted 20 February 2014 - 09:38 PM
+1, if you are looking at something to keep I would go for one of the limited editions and in original condition.The body kit on the bottom two is awful (just my opinion)
Up Into Fourth
Posted 20 February 2014 - 09:56 PM
One Carb Or Two?
Posted 20 February 2014 - 10:02 PM
Super Mini Mad
Posted 20 February 2014 - 10:17 PM
The top one is a 1990 RSP Cooper. See http://www.rsp-coope...co.uk/index.htm
1650 built and the first British made Cooper for 19 years. This is considered to be very collectable.
The one pictured has been spoilt in terms of authenticity by extra wide arch extensions and wheels.
The second one is not recognisable to me as a limited edition but more like a well done modification (or is it a slightly modified German Silver Bullet edition of 1995?).
Edited by minidizzy, 20 February 2014 - 11:26 PM.
Speeding Along Now
Posted 20 February 2014 - 10:55 PM
ERA Turbo all day long, fastest, most powerful, most expensive and most luxurious production mini ever made.
Passed Test
Posted 21 February 2014 - 12:19 AM
Great - thanks for your insights! As close to original sounds like the way to go.
How much would you pay for an ERA turbo with less than 100,000 kms but in need of restoration?
I have seen a couple go through the auctions in Japan but had peeling paint etc but were mechanically sound.
Anyone know what they'd be worth?
Passed Test
Posted 21 February 2014 - 12:24 AM
Thanks minidizzzy,
Any idea what a 1990 RSP Cooper would be worth under 100,000kms?
Are they considered more collectable, or on par with the ERA Turbo?
The top one is a 1990 RSP Cooper. See http://www.rsp-coope...co.uk/index.htm
1650 built and the first British made Cooper for 19 years. This is considered to be very collectable.
The one pictured has been spoilt in terms of authenticity by extra wide arch extensions and wheels.
The second one is not recognisable to me as a limited edition but more like a well done modification (or is it a slightly modified German Silver Bullet edition of 1995?).
Speeding Along Now
Posted 21 February 2014 - 01:31 AM
Up Into Fourth
Posted 21 February 2014 - 02:13 PM
Era Turbo all day long. That "body kit" on 2nd one from bottom is standard from factory. Not sure how much they'd be for you in NZ but over here they're anything from £8k-50k. Mini 30 is a good shout for a great looking car, cheap compared to other LEs as far as I know. Love mine to pieces.
The Forum Lesbian
Posted 21 February 2014 - 03:48 PM
Both the body kits pictured are standard to the ERA Turbo - it's not a tacky add on, and to remove it would be sacrilege! IIRC the kit on the Japanese version is wider than the UK one, and has the different plate recess.
Buy the Cooper at the top, then sell me the wheels 
Mini Magazine
Posted 21 February 2014 - 04:44 PM
Try and find a red Cooper 35 if you're after something rare - there's loads of Almond Green ones out there. I've only ever seen one in the UK.
Super Mini Mad
Posted 21 February 2014 - 10:38 PM
Thanks minidizzzy,
Any idea what a 1990 RSP Cooper would be worth under 100,000kms?
Are they considered more collectable, or on par with the ERA Turbo?
The top one is a 1990 RSP Cooper. See http://www.rsp-coope...co.uk/index.htm
1650 built and the first British made Cooper for 19 years. This is considered to be very collectable.
The one pictured has been spoilt in terms of authenticity by extra wide arch extensions and wheels.
The second one is not recognisable to me as a limited edition but more like a well done modification (or is it a slightly modified German Silver Bullet edition of 1995?).
I have seen RSPs go for as low as about £2k on eBay. I would think about £4-5k for a good one and more for one with an 'S' conversion. There have been a few standard RSPs on the market recently with delivery mileage and asking prices up to £20k. I am not sure there are any buyers who want to pay that sort of price.
I think a Mini is more about what is nice to have rather than being just an investment and they will all probably increase in value in proportion to their current value. Having said that I think the very last ones made are more expensive now only because they are newer and possibly with lower mileage. The asking price for these can be up to £10k but I cannot see these increasing in value at the same rate.
The ERA (which is actually late 80s), the 30 and the 35 are all very desirable as mentioned.
Others not mentioned before but very worth considering are the Paul Smith, Cooper Monte Carlo and above all John Cooper's special edition Grand Prix.
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