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Description

Technical information
Drive: Front wheel drive
Acceleration (0-100 kph): 11,2 s
Top speed: 148 km/h

Weights
Empty weight: 650 kg
Carrying capacity: 420 kg
GVW: 1.070 kg

Interior
Interior colour: grey

Environment
Emission class: Euro 1

Identification
Reference number: 0001594

Product safety
Manufacturer: Classic Park Koppenhoefstraat 14 5283VK BOXTEL, NL 0411605000 http://www.classicpark.nl info@classicpark.nl

The trained eye will have spotted it immediately. No, this is not a Cabrioni or Lamm cabriolet conversion of the iconic classic MINI. And if you’re momentarily unsure what you’re looking at, you’re easily forgiven. This is an original Rover Mini Convertible. Yes, we can hear you thinking: an original convertible?

Indeed it is. In the early 1990s, Rover watched with some frustration as companies, such as Cabrioni and the German Rover Mini dealer Lamm, enjoyed considerable success with their Mini convertible conversions. Rover decided it was time to respond with an official Rover Mini Convertible of its own. Lamm, who had been converting Minis since the 1980s, was given the official commission by Rover.

The first 75 cars were produced in a rather special way. Mini sent completed cars to Lamm in Achern, Germany, where the roof was removed, a new soft top installed, and additional reinforcement bars were fitted underneath to restore structural rigidity. The seats were reupholstered as well. All of these cars were finished in “Cherry Red,” were right-hand drive, and were offered exclusively through 12 selected Rover dealers in the UK to test market interest. The response was overwhelming: every car sold within a month.

Encouraged by this success, RSP (Rover Special Products) decided to produce the Mini Convertible themselves in limited numbers. A Lamm conversion served as the starting point to keep development costs under control, as the aim was to create a relatively affordable convertible. However, true to British character, the Rover version was almost completely re-engineered.

Although inspired by the Lamm design, the loss of rigidity caused by removing the steel roof was addressed by adding reinforced sills. RSP also closed an opening beneath the rear seat and redesigned the seatbelt mounting points. The roof itself had to be a fully integrated soft top, without press studs along the sides.

The result was a genuinely well-engineered convertible: structurally stiff thanks to multiple reinforcements, fitted with a proper soft top without press studs, four wind-up glass side windows, and four three-point seatbelts. The only element largely carried over from Lamm was the body kit fitted to all original Rover Mini Convertibles. At first glance they appear identical, though, naturally, the British still managed to make it subtly different.

The newly developed Mini Convertible debuted at the NEC Motor Show in 1992 and went on sale worldwide in 1993. Initially it was available in Nightfire Red or Caribbean Blue, with British Racing Green added in 1994. The convertible was offered in only a limited number of countries and was never officially sold in the Netherlands. The importer considered the price too high: due to development costs, the convertible was roughly twice as expensive as a standard Mini.

The basis for the Mini Convertible was the Mini Cooper, fitted with the well-known and reliable 1275 cc engine. Anyone familiar with a classic Mini knows how lively they are: direct steering, exceptional agility, and spirited performance, at least in feel, thanks to the 1275 engine. The convertible version takes this experience to another level entirely and, especially with the roof down, delights all the senses.

The car truly shines on winding roads and narrow streets. We say this sincerely: there are few cars that deliver so much fun for such modest running costs. It is guaranteed to lift your spirits every single time, and not just yours. Bystanders feel it too. This car has an exceptionally high “smile factor.” You can even park on the pavement outside a bakery in France, normally a privilege reserved for national icons like the 2CV or 4CV, while being showered with compliments. The French equivalent of a parking officer may not even dare to issue a fine. Disclaimer: past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Cars are often described as rare and unique, but here, it truly applies. Only 1,081 Rover Mini Convertibles were built, including 300 right-hand-drive examples. Just three colors were available: Nightfire Red, Caribbean Blue, and British Racing Green. All convertibles featured genuine wood trim, the distinctive body kit, 12-inch alloy wheels, and a grey velour interior with sports seats. Cars finished in Caribbean Blue or British Racing Green came with a grey soft top. Only the Nightfire Red cars were fitted with a dark red soft top and matching tonneau cover. In our humble opinion, that makes it the most attractive of the three.

This Mini was delivered new in Germany on the 22nd of September, 1995 to a dealer, who registered it as a demonstrator. On the 1st of April, 1996, with just 345 km on the odometer, it was sold to its first private owner for 19,900 DM. She kept the car until early 2022. It was then purchased by a Dutch owner, on whose behalf the car is now being offered for sale. The convertible has a fully traceable mileage of just 24,459 km and is now registered in the Netherlands.

We are aware that other Rover Mini Convertibles with low mileage are available, sometimes even with few owners. However, they are rarely found in this condition. Many have suffered from coastal exposure or the wear of city life. A convertible with demonstrably low mileage, few owners, and a life spent largely in a garage should—unlike the average example—be close to new. That is why we have included an extensive photographic report. The images speak for themselves: even the original 1995 body kit production stickers are still present on the inside of the front bumper. Whether that level of originality and condition justifies the asking price is for you to decide.

If you already picture yourself cruising in style, perhaps along the Côte d’Azur, this Mini will attract more attention than any red Ferrari. You are very welcome to admire the car in Boxtel.

Classic Park's core activities are the purchase, sale and consignment sale of classic and exclusive cars. You will find us in Boxtel, which is located between Eindhoven and 's-Hertogenbosch (10 minutes by car north of Eindhoven and Eindhoven Airport). From Venlo (German border) it is an 80 km drive and Amsterdam Schiphol is 100 km away.
Classic Park has an average of 100 cars in stock, which are attractively displayed in the Classic Park museum in Boxtel.

The car described here is subject to price changes, (text) errors and changes in availability. For the full picture gallery and availability, visit our website www.classicpark.nl. We cannot guarantee the exact mileage of several classic cars. The counter readings stated by us, are displayed counter readings unless expressly otherwise stated. No indications have been provided with respect to the motor vehicle tax due, as tax regulations vary by country and/or region. Any reference to the motor vehicle tax or the rate indicated may therefore be inaccurate. No rights can be derived from this advertisement.

You are welcome to visit us. In order to provide you with the best possible service, we would like to make an appointment with you in advance.

Condition & Registration

Historical license plate
Registered

Ready to drive

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Technical Details

Vehicle data

Make: Rover
Model series: Mini
Model name: Mini Cabriolet
Manufacturer code: MK VI
First registration date: 09/1995
Year of manufacture: 1995
Mileage (read): 24,459 km
Chassis number: Not provided
Engine number: Not provided
Gearbox number: Not provided
Matching numbers: Not provided
Number of owners: Not provided

Technical details

Body style: Convertible
Power (kW/hp): 46/63
Cubic capacity (cm³): 1273
Cylinders: 4
Doors: 2
Steering: Left (LHD)
Gearbox: Manual
Gears: 4
Transmission: Front
Front brakes: Disc
Rear brakes: Drum
Fuel type: Petrol

Individual Configuration

Exterior color: Red
Manufacturer color name: -

Interior color: Grey
Interior material: Velour

Optional equipment

oldtimerLicensePlate

Location

Classic Park

Renald van Dijke

Koppenhoefstraat 14

5283 VK Boxtel

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Dealer Homepage

Route

1995 | Rover Mini Cabriolet