Vehicle details
- Make
- Rover
- Model
- Mini
- Year
- 1993
- Engine
- 1.3 L
- Transmission
- Manual
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Colour
- Red
THE LISTING
About this vehicle
I purchased this Rover Mini Italian Job in August 2025 from Richard Williams Classic Minis of Devon. As many will know, Richard is one of the foremost suppliers of high quality classic Minis in the UK, as evidenced by the high prices his cars command.For various reasons - health, a house move etc, I have hardly driven the Mini since purchase so it has spent most of its time carefully stored in my garage, having only attended a handful of local classic car shows and being driven for its MOT test in April - it passed the test with just one advisory on slight play to an upper suspension ball joint, exactly as last year.
A knee replacement last month means I will be unable to drive the car comfortably for the foreseeable future so I have made the reluctant decision to offer it for sale.
During my ownership I have undertaken various improvements to enhance the already excellent condition in which the car was supplied to me - these include steering column bushes, new door mirrors, most of the interior switch gear due to slight fading of the plastic, replacement rear light lenses and gaskets, again due to fading, new tri-pod halogen headlights, battery cover and strap, a new windscreen washer bottle, pump, jets, wiper arms and blades, plus a shaped liner to the inside of the boot lid, together with a moulded boot floor liner.
The car is mostly to factory specification, other than a stage one tuning kit which includes a full stainless steel exhaust system with LCB manifold, and a K & N air filter contained in the original casing to preserve the unmodified appearance. The car has also been fitted with adjustable coil suspension and KYB Gas-a-Just shock absorbers, which considerably improve the ride quality and enhance the already legendary handling. The sharp eyed amongst you will also notice that the car is fitted with stainless steel bumpers, rather than the original satin black items.
The Italian Job limited edition of the iconic Mini was produced by Rover in 1993 to commemorate the 1969 film of the same name. To mimic those in the film, the car was available in either Flame Red, Electric Blue or Diamond White, with the addition of British Racing Green (even though a green Mini didn't feature in the film). Just 1000 cars were produced for the UK market, 250 of each colour, which makes the Italian Job one of the rarest of all special edition Minis.
Prior to me purchasing the car, it had been with its last owners (an elderly couple) for 27 years, having been purchased by them from Bristol Minis in July 1998 for the sum of £4650, plus an extra £325 for a 12 months Motorplan warranty, and £176.25 for the fitment of an engine immobiliser. The invoices from Bristol Minis remain in the extensive history file, together with details of all work carried-out until the owners gave up driving in 2025, at which time the car was acquired by Richard Williams.
During their 27 year ownership, the Mini was extensively maintained by M-Tech Classic Mini Specialist of Somerset, who in 2019 undertook a photographic restoration of the bodyshell at a cost of £10,252. The extensive history file contains all of the invoices and photographs from M-Tech, together with invoices for all other work carried-out since 1998.
As you would expect, the 1275cc 'A' Series engine with its stage one tuning kit gives lively performance, whilst the electronic ignition and newly replaced spark plugs & HT leads ensure the engine starts first time, every time, no matter how long it has been standing. The uprated suspension, together with new Yokohama tyres (which were fitted by Richard Williams immediately prior to my purchase) keep the car well planted to the tarmac, and brings the smile-factor which only a Mini can.
The car was MOT tested in April at 50,729 miles so has a valid test certificate until the 8th April 2027. The low recorded mileage is supported by the extensive history file which will be made available to the new owner. The original handbook pack and radio security card are present as are two keys and the V5C Registration Certificate (logbook) which is correctly registered in my name and home address. The service record book is missing although the history file contains proof of all servicing since 1998. The sale will also include an original Rover Cars Mini Italian Job brochure from 1992.
The car is presented in show condition with no known faults, either mechanically or bodily. The interior is near perfect, other than a repaired split to the driver's seat base and minor damage to the driver's door card which seems to have been caused by the door being closed before the seatbelt had fully retracted. The only other issue worthy of note is that the bulkhead sound matting under the bonnet has become a little crumbly and would benefit from replacement, if only to improve the cosmetic appearance of the engine compartment. A new shaped sound mat is available from Mini Spares for £57 plus vat.
In summary, this is an extremely rare limited edition Mini Italian Job which has been extensively maintained by one of the foremost specialists in the UK, and subsequently sold by one of the most highly regarded and fastidious suppliers of classic Minis.
Viewings by arrangement are available at my home address in Worcestershire. Professional inspection is both welcomed and invited. Requests to drive the car must be supported by fully comprehensive insurance, with no exceptions, otherwise you will need to make your assessment from the passenger seat whilst I drive. Payment is by bank transfer, and the car will only be released on confirmation of cleared funds. Sensible offers near to the asking price will be considered.
Any questions, please ask.
Vehicle specification
- Make: Rover
- Model: Mini
- Year: 1993
- Engine: 1.3 L
- Transmission: Manual
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Colour: Red
Important information
This vehicle is advertised by an independent eBay seller. The information shown has been taken from the seller's listing. Please review the original eBay advert for the complete description, condition, history, photographs and terms of sale before purchasing.