Value My Classic

WHO? Chris Jesson MILES 55,000 PROVENANCE Restored in 2013 MODS Interior upgrade HOW MANY LEFT unknown

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD IT?

I bought my Mini in August 2012 in a private sale for £4300 after spotting it for sale on a website. It’s the Sportspack model and at the time it had only done 39,000 miles. I liked how original it was, down to the dealer-fitted mats and its two sets of keys. Then I found that 12-year-old Minis still rusted like they always did and from spring to summer 2013 the car was fitted with new Heritage scuttle, rear valance, front wings and A-panels, bootlid, floorpans and sills. It was then resprayed in the original British Racing Green.

HOW MUCH HISTORY?

Most of it. I have records and history of the car’s initial years in the stamped service book, plus most of the subsequent services, parts bills and all MoT records. All of that confirms the car’s relatively low mileage as being genuine. It’s looked after by local Mini specialist, Surf Blue Garage in Nottingham.

WHAT’S LEFT TO DO ON IT?

Mostly just looking after it to maintain the standard I’ve got it to – the car now only goes out in good weather. The only items I would say are left on the to-do list are probably some new rubber suspension cones and a new clock, as that has stopped working. The car is currently insured for £9000 and I’m keen to find out if that is about right.

HAS IT BEEN MODIFIED?

As part of the restoration process I upgraded the interior with black leather seats with embossed ‘Mini Cooper’ logos from a 1996 Mini Cooper SPi, along with walnut door cappings and a matching gear knob.