With Rover setting a date for the end of “Classic” Mini production in 2000, the firm decided to offer the British market a final edition of the much-loved compact car. Named the Cooper Sport 500, just 500 examples were available to order. The model was marketed as the last opportunity to purchase Alec Issigonis’ iconic design before the new BMW-made MINI was launched that same year. Cooper Sport 500s were all built in 2000, and were based on the wide-arched Mini Cooper Sport, though with numerous additions.

All 500s were manufactured with the 1275 Plus four-cylinder A-series engine, rated at 62 horsepower. Customers could choose from one of four body colours: Anthracite, British Racing Green, Solar Red, or Tahiti Blue, with the roof and bonnet stripes finished in Platinum Silver, regardless of body colour choice. Included as special extras were 13-inch alloy wheels, a high-level brake light, four spot lamps, a certificate, and a commemorative plaque mounted inside the glove box. Inside all Cooper Sport 500s, the seats, door cards, steering wheel and dashboard were upholstered in black and silver leather. Rather than the standard plastic interior fittings, this model featured an alloy gear knob, window winders, dashboard, door handles, and pulls.

This Cooper Sport 500 is painted in Solar Red over a Platinum Silver roof, and is believed to be one of only 110 produced in this colour combination. It was registered on 3 May 2001 and purchased new by its sole private owner from Caffyns of East Sussex, England. A copy of the original sales invoice accompanies this Mini. The cabin remains a factory-correct affair, with the seats upholstered in black and silver leather, the carpets trimmed in black, and retaining its original alloy fittings. Having been kept on display at the Cayman Islands Motor Museum until 2021, this example displays just six miles on its odometer at time of cataloguing.

In 2021, £2,078 was spent recommissioning this Mini. The engine oil and filter were changed, as was the air filter, clutch master-cylinder, spark plugs, brake cylinders, and wiper blades. The brake fluid was flushed and four new tyres were fitted, prior to this car passing its MoT, which is valid until 1 December 2022.

This Cooper Sport 500 is accompanied by its European directory, in-car entertainment booklet, jack, owner’s handbook, service book, and a space-saver spare wheel. It offers a rare chance to acquire a one-private-owner-from-new example with only “delivery miles”.