Authentic Motorcars presents this one-of-a-kind, custom built Mini that is a show quality masterpiece which has been in the cofounder's personal collection over the last 2 years. This car was the personal build of the owner of "M-Tech Classic Mini Specialists" in the UK and was featured in the October 1996 issue of Mini Magazine. The car was imported into the USA in 2001 and was converted to LHD before entering the states by M-Tech. This Mini started life as a clean, low mileage 1990 Cooper RSP (Rover Special Performance) limited edition model #479 of 1650 produced (1050 for UK market) that came with a factory sunroof, 1275cc motor, oil cooler, and special trim kit. These special editions were the first later model Minis to be called “Coopers” in 19 years and were built in partnership with John Cooper Garage for many custom touches. This car was treated to a complete bare shell, show quality respray in its original color of Flame Red in 1995 by a Ferrari specialist paint shop out of the UK. The motor was replaced with a 1380cc "Road Competition" unit built by MED Engineering Services in Leicester, England w/ Omega forged pistons, Kent 266 mild road cam, large valves, and 1:5:1 roller rocker. lightened and balanced internals, hardened and drilled crank, and ARP studs. Feeding the engine is a HIF44 SU carburetor and an Opcon Autorotor twin-screw supercharger which is said to boost horsepower to 130. Other mechanical improvements are Pertronix electronic ignition, electric cooling fan, aluminum radiator, stainless exhaust, ceramic coated headers, KAD 4-pot alloy caliper front disk brakes w/ power assist and stainless lines. Twin fuel tanks are a nice addition to allow for extended road trips, one is a 7.5-gallon, the other is a 5.5-gallon. The suspension is fitted with a Hi-Lo kit that has adjustable ride height and caster/camber as well as adjustable dampening to the shock absorbers. 10x6.5 inch, 3-piece aluminum wheels by Spectrum Racing are wrapped in sticky Yokohama Advan 032R tires (replaced in 2020) and look very sharp. The exterior is finished in Flame Red with a black roof and factory glass pop-up sunroof which makes driving in warm weather more enjoyable. Inside the cabin, large comfortable Corbeau Racing bucket seats hold you in place and are upholstered in black leather with patterned "Cooper Lightning" cloth centers and red piping. A Cooper leather/aluminum Motolita steering wheel, aluminum Paddy Hopkirk shift knob, alloy gas pedal, Cooper alloy e-brake knob, and black leather/red stitching shift and e-brake boots also compliment the cabin. The dash face, door caps, and door pulls are finished with beautiful, deep polished walnut trim. A full set of beautiful, ivory faced gauges greats you including 110mph speedometer, tach, oil pressure, water temp, fuel level, voltmeter, and electric clock. The stereo system fitted represents top of the line tech for the 1990's period with a Nakamichi CD head unit, JL Audio speakers, amplifier and a 10-inch MTX Audio Subwoofer. Other neat John Cooper branded touches are door sill plates, alloy door handles/window winders, bonnet stripes, and twin monza fuel tank caps.

Recent enhancements to the Mini in 2024-2025 include replacing the heater core, installing a new aluminum radiator with a new 88 degree thermostat, changing the motor oil and supercharger oil, replacing the battery, adding an oil sump guard, painting the fender flares black, fitting an alloy Paddy Hopkirk valve cover, Italian air horns, installing a retro “wavy” front grill, adding the “Italian Job” front light bar, rear fog lamp, GB emblem on the trunk lid, and union jack side emblems. The trunk was also completely carpeted with a flat floor panel, and finished in black quality materials and a custom phone holder with USB charger was integrated into the dash by Group 2 Motorsports of Woodinville, WA. The Mini was given a fresh suspension alignment by Mshop of Kirkland in June of 2025. In October of 2020 the Mini Cooper was sent to Jet Motors Inc of Oregon, a classic Mini specialist and received a comprehensive recommissioning service to the tune of over $8000 (receipts available). The work included new Superfin rear alloy brake drums, new tires, new Pertronix high voltage ignition system, new spark plugs and wires, new Moulton suspension cones, electric fuel pump, front and rear tow-eyes, new HIF44 SU carburetor, heavy duty lower control arms, poly bushings, heavy duty tie rods, quick shift kit, new fuel tank level sending unit, full fluid change and a boost gauge was added to monitor Supercharger performance. This Mini will be one of the highlights to any collection or can be an exciting show car/daily driver. Included are 2 sets of keys, fitted Red Paddy Hopkirk car cover, C-Tek battery tender, Lucas driving lamp covers, misc spare parts, binder of service history, owner's manual, service book, and the Oct 96' issue of Mini Magazine with the article of this car.