Sold | 1986 Austin Mini Mayfair (John Cooper Prototype)

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£19,040

1986 Austin Mini Mayfair (John Cooper Prototype)

United Kingdom • 28 Nov 2015 • Lot 253

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This is a meticulously maintained 1987 Austin Mini Mayfair, converted by John Cooper Garages in 1989. It features a Targa Red exterior with white accents, a modified 1275cc engine, and a Cooper-badged Moto-Lita steering wheel, retaining its original Mini Mayfair interior.

Condition

9

The car is described as immaculate inside and out, suggesting a high level of care and preservation. The presence of original features and the documented history, along with minimal use, contribute to a rating indicating exceptional condition.

/ 10

Transmission:

[Transmission]

Chassis No:

SAXXL2S1N20310810

Odometer:

2,747 miles

Reg Number:

C734 SWV

RHD/LHD:

RHD

From its peak in 1971, Mini production had dwindled to just under 35,000 units per year by the end of 1985.

The only market where there appeared to still be growth potential was Japan.

With this in mind, the President of Austin Rover Japan approached John Cooper in early 1986 and asked if it was possible to put an MG Metro engine into a standard 998cc Mini to produce a sports version.

An MG Metro-engined Mini was soon on its way to Japan for evaluation.

That car was C734 SWV.

The management at Rover Japan showed great enthusiasm for the idea but a request for a limited production of 1,000 units was turned down by Austin Rover's CEO, Harold Musgrove, who was planning to end Mini production altogether in March 1987.

John Cooper however, had already been approached by other Japanese interests to produce conversion kits for 998cc Mini models and this, coupled with a change in management at Austin Rover in late 1986, proved the turning point.

C734 SWV once again came back into its ow...