- Auctions
- The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2026 - Collectors' Cars
- 2000 Mini Cooper Sport - 60 Miles from New
2000 Mini Cooper Sport - 60 Miles from New
Lot Number: 721
2000 Mini Cooper Sport - 60 Miles from New
The truest of ‘time warp’ cars, stored off the ground in a temperature-controlled garage preserving it in simply exceptional condition.
- ESTIMATE: £30,000 - £40,000
+ buyer's premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT)
You can choose to bid in the room, by phone, online or via commission.
LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Saturday 21st February, 2026 at 1.00pm local time at Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG
-
BODY COLOUR
British Racing Green -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
X494 OBE -
ODOMETER READING
60 Miles
SUMMARY
The truest of ‘time warp’ cars, stored off the ground in a temperature-controlled garage preserving it in simply exceptional condition.
DESCRIPTION
After 41 years and with the end in sight, Rover decided to mark the classic Mini’s long life with a penultimate limited edition prior to the arrival of BMW’s new ‘MINI’. Following the popularity of the Sport Pack Minis offered from 1997 to 2000, the Mini Cooper Sport was introduced, with some 2,200 examples, including 1,000 right-hand drive cars, being built between March and October 2000. They were a totally separate model to earlier iterations, externally distinguishable by their muscular stance with flared wheel arches, 13" sports alloy wheels, four spot lamps and a Platinum coloured roof and bonnet stripes. The Sport also featured an updated interior with stylish nickel silver and black leather trim, drilled and polished alloy door and window handles, and a Sport dash in turned alloy silver and black finish.
This remarkable example has a lovely, wholesome story behind it and could not be presented in better order for its first time coming to public sale. Originally registered on 18th October 2000, this gorgeous Sport, one of just 267 finished in British Racing Green, is simply fascinating in all measurable ways.
It has covered just 60 miles from new in the hands of its one and only owner, having effectively never been used. From new, the car was placed into the owner’s integral double length garage, benefitting from ventilation at both ends and stored off the ground. The Mini was placed on axle stands to prevent flat spots on the tyres and was protected by a soft indoor cover with a breathable waterproof outer cover. For over two decades, these conditions proved to be exceptionally favourable and, for whatever reason, chance or happenstance, resulted in what can only be described as the most perfect storage outcome one could wish for. As a result, the car can only be described as being in ‘as new’ condition. It is not a barn find, it is not a project, it is an example that appears to have been transported through time.
The exterior presents exceptionally well, exactly as it left the factory, with original paint, trim and finishes throughout, down to the original factory stickers still being present on the wheels as supplied when new. There is no evidence of use, wear or age-related deterioration, entirely consistent with a car that has never been driven beyond its original delivery mileage. The interior is equally immaculate and untouched, retaining all the original trim, fittings and finishes, with no signs of wear to any contact surfaces.
Although the car has never been used, a careful and sympathetic engine recommissioning was carried out on 22nd January 2026 to ensure mechanical integrity. Prior to recommissioning, inspection cameras were utilised to ensure no damage or disturbance would be caused by the process. This work was fully invoiced and documented, and the internal condition of the engine proved to be equally box fresh, entirely consistent with the rest of the car.
The accompanying history file is expectedly relatively scarce due to the lack of usage, yet it includes the original sales invoice, original purchase receipts, the original handbook and the recommissioning invoice.
This outstanding time warp Mini is offered for Auction following the passing of its original owner and represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire what is effectively a box fresh, as new Mini Cooper Sport. Descriptions such as time warp are often overused or applied generously, but in this case they could not be more accurate. This was not an investment decision or a deliberate preservation exercise from the outset, but a car that has been preserved by chance in exceptionally favourable storage conditions over more than two decades.
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 721
- Make
- MINI
- Model
- COOPER SPORT
- Registration Number
- X494 OBE
- Chassis Number
- SAXXNPAZEYD185244
- Engine Number
- 12A2LK70398007
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- British Racing Green
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Harry Fox-Edwards
- Car Specialist
- 07398 872032
- harryfe@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Harry.
Email HarryTelephone Harry
WhatsApp Harry
Please note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 23rd February. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.
Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT for a standard sized vehicle and prices start from £275 plus VAT for larger vehicles. Storage will be charged at £12 plus VAT per day from the Monday for the first 14 days then £40 + vat per week from there on.
For oversized vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 or trafficdesk@emrogers.co.uk for a quote.
If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before noon on Monday 23rd February, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
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