Vehicle details
Acquired directly from a local car enthusiast, this Rover Mini 1.3 Sprite is a well-maintained, cherished and tastefully modified example showing just 49, 000 miles. It has had 8 keepers in total and comes with supporting paperwork for a substantial 2020 overhaul carried out while the car was in Spain. The work was completed by Mini World Estepona and totalled around EUR4, 000, including an engine rebuild and a wide range of mechanical, suspension, trim, lighting and interior improvements.
The Mini Sprite sits among the later versions of the original Mini, retaining the compact proportions, direct steering and simple mechanical character that define Issigonis' design. By this period the Sprite used the 1275cc A-Series engine, giving it the most usable engine fitted to the mainstream Mini range while keeping the familiar lightweight, analogue feel that makes these cars so engaging.
The Mini World Estepona invoice gives useful confidence in how this car has been looked after. The engine and servicing work included Castrol GTX 20W/50 mineral oil, oil filter, fuel filter, NGK injection spark plugs, performance ignition leads, rocker cover seals, engine steady components, polyurethane engine and gearbox steady bushes, a copper exhaust manifold gasket, driveshaft oil seals and a new engine cable. The exhaust was also upgraded with a Fletcher stainless steel side-exit rear silencer and stainless catalyst-to-exhaust tubing, giving the car a more purposeful tone without moving away from its classic Mini identity.
The same 2020 programme also covered the suspension, steering and braking areas, with original suspension cones, polyurethane tie bar bushes, lower arm bushes, subframe turret rubbers, front subframe-to-body bushes, suspension gaiters, wheel studs and related hardware. These are important areas on any classic Mini, as suspension condition and subframe mounting quality have a direct effect on how the car drives.
Cosmetically, the car has been repainted in a very eye-catching red, peach and pink colour, which suits its modified character and gives it a far more individual presence than a standard Sprite. It presents well overall, with the only noted interior defect being a rip in the driver's seat cloth. Further exterior and trim work at Mini World Estepona included rear window tinting, chrome and stainless trim items, black roof gutter trim, rear window and rear quarter-window seals, boot seal, Superlite 13 inch wheel centre caps, clear LED front indicators, rear lamp lenses, LED lighting components, H4 LED headlamp conversion and grille mouldings.
Inside, the car has been upgraded with TIM water temperature, oil pressure and volt gauges, black vinyl door cards, chequered flag floor mats, Pioneer speakers, a carpet kit, chrome aluminium sill trims, USB charging and associated trim and hardware. The car is lowered and sits with a purposeful stance, making it best suited to someone looking for a usable and individual classic Mini rather than a fu