Having developed the iconic, original Mini Cooper in the early 1960s, John Cooper sold his own modified Minis under the Mini Cooper name from the mid-1980s. Desirable and arguably better sorted than the originals, Rover acquired the rights to the name, enabling the firm to officially relaunch the model in September 1990.

The final version of the iconic Mini—the Mark 7—arrived in 1996. Changes included twin-point fuel injection, a higher final drive ratio, driver’s airbag, side impact beams, additional sound insulation, much-improved front seats, front-mounted radiator, and a ‘Sports Pack’ option. A key part of a factory initiative intended to encourage customers to personalise their Minis, the Sports Pack comprised 13" x 6" Minilite-style alloy wheels, extended wheel arches, Koni dampers, four auxiliary front lights, a large-bore exhaust tailpipe, and extra instruments.

It is unlikely for a person to run into another Mini Cooper like the car offered here. Delivered to its first owner in Argenteuil, France, in February 1998, this stunning Mini was ordered in the rare Surf Blue colour scheme, including interior. This Mini was also specified with the aforementioned Sports Pack, as well as Yokohama tyres, as detailed in the original Bill of Sale—a copy of which accompanies the car. Furthermore, it has been upgraded with a Stage 1 Powerkit installed by My Mini Revolution in Paris. Put simply, this is among the most desirable and unique of Mini Cooper specifications.

With a known ownership history from new, including details of its French ownership history accompanying the car, which include a large number of bills and invoices for service and maintenance work carried out over the last twenty years, this Mini Cooper presents in excellent condition both inside and out. With more than five million Minis sold throughout its production run, this Mini Cooper will ensure the new owner stands out from the crowd.