1970 Mini Cooper Sport 2-dr Saloon by British Leyland

Designer: Alec Issigonis

Estimate: $35,000 - $55,000 Without Reserve

Chassis Number: XA2S290987A

Decoded: X=Mini; A=Engine type; 2S=2-dr Saloon; 2=Square-nose Saloon; 90987=Unit number; A=Longbridge, UK Assembly

Engine: 1275cc OHV in-line 4-cylinder

Fuel injected/90 bhp

4-Speed Manual Transmission

Hydraulic Disc Front and Drum Rear Brakes

Odometer: 42,923 KM

Second Generation with Improved Performance

High-Performance Upgrades

Turn-Key Ready for the Road

The Model - After the end of WWII, a number of small manufacturers in Europe began producing econ-o-mobiles, which Alec Issigonis call "bubble-cars". They were cheap, reliability was a challenge, often quite uncomfortable and performance was a joke. Working with BMS, Issigonis would settle for a vehicle that remedied all those situations and the Mini was born. After the first units were sold in the early 1960's, constant improvements were rolled into production models. A strange thing happened, some privateers began to enter the little Mini's in road-rally events, and stranger yet, they were coming home as winners. Throughout the 1960's and into the 1970's, the legend of the Mini grew. Even after they had gone out of production, the British built Mini's, and a number of other built under license in other countries became hot-ticket items for those wanting to get into the world of rally racing. So popular that in 2002, under BMW leadership, the Mini marque was reborn and today thrives in the new-car market place around the world.

The Car - Restored to exacting specifications, this is one of the best of these final micro-cars that needs nothing but to be owned, exercised and enjoyed by a wise car collector. Finished in Midnight Blue, this left-hand-drive example presents bucket seats finished with black bolsters and pewter-gray inserts. The engine bay is stuffed full of the 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine transversely mounted, plus all the other proper mechanical components. A fresh set of Dunlop tires are mounted to the 8-spoke Mini wheels which sport an argent finish. The folding roof cover is tight and taut when closed, yet easily slides back for open-air motoring. Up front, a full set of high-powered driving lights are mounted just in case the new owner decides to do a little bit of road rally or just needs to light the way on a dark moonless night. A modern Mini steering wheel has been fitted to the car with a new stereo system, including CD capabilities mounted in the dash along with easy to read new gauges. A bit of old, a bit of new, and finished in dark blue, this Mini could be just for you.