The last 500 Minis to come off the Longbridge production line were Rover Cooper Sport models which were individually numbered and came with a commemorative plaque fixed inside of the glove box. Jack’s Cooper Sport 500 is number 93 and was one of a handful that was sent to the John Cooper Works to be fitted out with a genuine Cooper upgrade package.

Jack commissioned us to restore his pride and joy after a little mishap involving a driveway wall caused some minor cosmetic damage to the front end. Jack was aware that there were other issues with the Mini and quite rightly, decided the best option for the car was to have it fully restored and future-proofed.

There were no surprises found along the way and the body received a full strip down and rebuild body restoration replacing all rotted panel and metal work. The entire shell was then protected with zinc-based epoxy primer, sealant and Raptor underside coating before being sent to the paint shop for the re-finishing process to be carried out.

Whilst away at the paint shop, we sourced a new rear subframe, media blasted the existing front subframe and coated both in a zinc-based epoxy black coating. All the components from both subframes were given the same treatment before being re-assembled using new bushes, bearings and fixings, new brake linings and pipes.

The engine was stripped down and subject to a light overhaul as it was in relatively good shape whilst the gearbox was fully overhauled here in our workshops. Once re-assembled, the engine was painted and fitted back into the front subframe.

The body was refinished in Anthracite Black with a silver roof and re-assembled using a mixture of new and restored parts. The interior which was also in very good condition was cleaned and refitted giving the mini just the right amount of patina it deserved. Finally, the decals were refit and a retro transfer was fitted at the rear of both quarter panels showing that it is the 93^rd of the last 500 built.

A nice touch is the genuine signature of John Cooper himself which was signed on the vinyl of the centre console panel.