1991 ROVER MINI NEON Registration Number: J774 NWD Recorde...

Hammer

£5,000

1991 ROVER MINI NEON

Registration Number: J774 NWD
Recorded Mileage: 58,000 miles
Chassis Number: TBA

Launched in 1959, and considered an icon of the 1960s, the Mini is one of the most successful motor cars of all time, and one which transcends class and social status with consummate ease. Such was the success of the Mini that it was exported to every corner of the world, and indeed manufactured in most continents for local home markets. The Italian version of the Mini, sold under the Innocenti marque, was produced in Milan and distributed throughout Europe.

Such was the demand for the Mini that a huge variety of limited editions were produced over the years. Launched in 1991, the Neon was based on the City variant of that model year. The "Neon" was originally meant to be produced in Caribbean Blue Pearlecent, but problems with the new paint meant that the production version was made in Nordic Blue. The Neon featured chrome bumpers and door handles, grille surround and exhaust tailpipe. The exterior was finished with "Neon by Mini" decals, and the interior was treated to chevron velour with a Neon badge on the steering wheel. 1500 were produced in total.

This Neon was previously acquired by an enthusiast around 4 years ago, who we understand invested over £4,000 on refurbishing the car, including a repaint in the orginal colour. Our current vendor has owned the Mini for around 2 years, in his ownership the Mini has been maintained by a local specialist, and the interior has been replaced with full Mini Equinox trim, new carpeting and new weather seals. The suspension has been upgraded with adjustable shocks and four-spoke Revolution wheels sitting in wider arches, and treated to a row of rally spotlights to the front.

We understand mechanically the car is largely standard, and starts and idles nicely. We noticed on inspection that the engine smokes on start up but then later clears. As the car has been stored off road recently this is possibly due to stale fuel in the tank, which will need to be investigated. The bodywork is structurally very solid however does have a number of paint blisters on the panels and in our opinion would benefit from either localised repairs or a repaint. The interior however is in lovely order and very inviting, with a sporty wood-rimmed steering wheel and wood cappings to the dash and doors.

Clearly this Mini has been subject to much work in the past and we are sure with more time and effort this will be a rewarding classic car for the next owner. For sale only due to ill-health, the Mini is offered with a V5C, current MoT certificate and file of bills for previous maintenance works.