Buying a Coo per

Make sure that it’s a genuine car. Contact the Mini Cooper Register to check its provenance, etc. Unless it’s been the subject of a recent and welldocumented restoration, expect to find some rust. Check the sills, floorpan, boot floor, inner wings, valances, door bottoms, headlight surrounds, subframes, everywhere in fact. A- posts are particularly difficult to repair. Fortunately, just about every panel is available, although some will need retro- modification.

Mechanically the Cooper is pretty durable and all parts are available. The A-series is a tried, tested, and trusted unit. But, it’s not immune to neglect. And it can crack between the valve seats (often causing a misfire). Do the usual checks for undue noise (especially top end), smoking exhaust and water in the oil. The gearbox, which shares its oil with the engine, is more fragile. The rubber driveshaft couplings have a limited lifespan. Electrics are generally reliable.

If the steering isn’t pin sharp, a new rack etc., will be required. Even if they are in good order, standard Cooper brakes are only just man enough for the job. Upgrading is a wise move.

Due to the rising values, most Coopers will tend to lead a less frantic existence than they did in their heyday, although it’s most definitely a car that urges one to drive ‘enthusiastically’!