Registration: R154 NDS
Chassis: SAXXNNAXKWD155346
Odometer: 67,625
Transmission: Automatic
MOT: August 2027

• Originally supplied to the Japanese domestic market (JDM).
• Desirable specification featuring automatic transmission, air conditioning and leather upholstery.
• Extensive Japanese service history with entries spanning 2001 to 2017.
• Comprehensive Japanese export and UK import documentation.

The original Mini remains one of Britain's most celebrated motoring icons, but its popularity extended far beyond these shores. Japan developed a particular affection for the little British classic, with Japanese-market examples often featuring specifications and colour combinations rarely encountered on their UK counterparts. By the late 1990s, these cars had developed something of a cult following, combining the Mini's timeless character with additional comfort and convenience.

This delightful 1998 Rover Mini Cooper is a particularly appealing example, originally supplied to the Japanese domestic market before being imported into the United Kingdom in 2020. Finished in the wonderfully vibrant Surf Blue, complemented by a contrasting white roof and matching pale blue leather interior, it is a Mini that immediately stands out from the crowd.

The exterior presents attractively, with its distinctive turquoise-blue paintwork complemented by chrome brightwork, Cooper-style alloy wheels and a traditional chrome grille. White competition-style roundels on the doors, twin Wipac auxiliary driving lamps and a removable white roof rack give the car a charming period-inspired appearance, perfectly suited to the Mini's sporting heritage.

The roof rack is a particularly attractive accessory, adding considerable character while remaining easily removable should the next owner prefer a more traditional appearance. A fitted car cover also accompanies the vehicle.

Inside, the Mini is equally distinctive. The cabin features pale blue leather upholstery with contrasting white piping, matching blue door cards and carpeting, and a beautifully presented wood-effect dashboard. The seats show gentle creasing consistent with age and use, but remain attractive, while the carefully coordinated colour scheme creates a particularly inviting interior.

As a Japanese-market example, this Cooper also benefits from an automatic transmission and air conditioning, providing a welcome degree of convenience alongside the familiar charm of the original Mini. Period-style BMC Special Tuning Parts and British Leyland promotional stickers further reflect the enthusiasm for British motoring culture among Japanese collectors.

The car's history is another appealing feature. Originally based in Japan, with records associating it with Yokohama, it is accompanied by its Japanese owner's handbook and service book, containing an impressive sequence of entries between 2001 and 2017. These document regular servicing and maintenance, including attention to belts, engine mountings and cooling components.

Its subsequent journey to Britain is particularly well documented. The accompanying paperwork includes the Japanese export certificate, shipping and customs documents, bill of lading and DVLA registration records. The export certificate records 56,200km in 2019, while an import service was undertaken in December 2020, followed by further documented servicing in March 2024.

Registered in the UK in February 2021, the Mini has remained with its current UK keeper ever since, with the V5C recording no former UK keepers. The vendor advises that the vehicle has always been garaged during their ownership, with more recent minor maintenance including attention to the washer system and an offside brake light.

The accompanying history file is unusually comprehensive, containing Japanese service records, annual inspection sheets, export documentation, UK maintenance invoices, MOT certificates and a selection of Japanese Mini magazines and books.

With its delightful colour combination, desirable Japanese-market specification and extensive documentary history, this is a particularly characterful example of the late Rover Mini Cooper.