Independents had been producing them for a long time, but it was not until 1993, 34 years after production had commenced, that there was an official soft-top Mini - the Mini Cabriolet, its introduction following the favourable reception of a limited edition cabriolet made by German Rover dealer LAMM Autohaus, which had first introduced such a model in June 1991.

LAMM chopped off the roof, replacing it with a folding fabric convertible hood that incorporated the plastic rear windows.

Its bodyshell substantially strengthened to compensate for the resulting loss of rigidity, the LAMM Cabriolet featured Revolution alloy wheels and a colour-matched body kit consisting of dramatically extended wheelarches, front spoiler, side skirts and integral bumpers.

It was offered in only one colour - pearlescent Cherry Red with maroon hood – while the luxurious interior used the limited-edition Mini Mayfair’s seats and trim, which were complemented by a wood-grain dashboard, Cooper-style leather-cov...