Classic Mini Cooper last generation MK7

Classic Mini Cooper MK7

Mini Cooper MK7 was the last or final generation of the Mini, it is the most desirable to some Mini Lovers, and also the least to others. Mini MK7 was introduced around 1996-1997. The changes include:

– twin-point injection
– higher final drive
– side impact beams
– better sound insulation/sound proof
– driver airbag
– improved front seats
– a front-mounted radiator
– a sportspack option

Year 1996 to 2000

Production of Mini MPI

Details: Engine now utilised Multi-Point fuel Injection to lower emissions, noise and increase performance. Front mounted radiator fitted along with strengthening door bars and driver’s airbag. 12 inch Pepperpot alloy wheels as standard. The Classic Mini Se7en was introduced in April 2000 in either Solar Red, Old English White or Black as the last non-Cooper Mini.
Engine size: 1275cc
Original price: £8,995 (Mini) £9,495 (Mini Se7en)

Production of Mini Cooper MPI

Details: Engine now utilised Multi-Point fuel Injection to lower emissions, noise and increase performance. Front mounted radiator fitted along with strengthening door bars and driver’s airbag. Extra features included additional spot lamps, bonnet stripes, sports alloy wheels and Monaco trim. Sports pack option available for an extra £795 including wider 13inch wheels and wider wheel arches. The names Classic Cooper and Classic Cooper Sport were introduced in April 2000. The Classic Cooper model gained silver and black leather seats whereas the Classic Cooper Sport gained black and nickel leather seats and also alloy door furniture.
Engine size: 1275cc
Original price: £8,995 (Mini Cooper) £9,895 (Classic Cooper) £10,895 (Classic Cooper Sport)
More details and photos: 2000 Mini Cooper Sport

Both the Mini MPI and Mini Cooper MPI information are taken from MiniWorld.

Year 1997

In 1997, The Mini Classic was introduced as the new non-Cooper model. The Mayfair is dropped. Sportpack-equipped models with fat 13 inch wheels become another revival for the Mini, proving very popular.

Year 1998

In 1998, Mini Paul Smith LE and Cooper Sports LE was introduced. The production for Paul Smith LE are approximately around 1800 and 100 for Cooper Sports LE. The model carries 1960s British Vita team colours.

Production of Mini Paul Smith LE

Year: 1998 (March)
Based on: Mini Sprite
Engine: 1275 cc
Exterior colour:

Paul Smith Blue (JFL – BLVC1269)
Also available in Black and White (Japanese market)

Exterior trim: Chrome grille, handles, and bumpers; green Great Britain isle badge on grille
Decals/badges: 9ct gold emamelled “Paul Smith” bonnet badge, Paul Smith rear winder sticker
Interior: Black leather trim, Paul Smith-scripted instrument graphics; Citrus Green glovebox interior, petrol tank and solid boot liner.
Equipment: Charcoal grey Minilite alloy wheels, two spotlamps, Special “Paul Smith” denim jack & tool bag
Production: 300 for UK, 1,500 for rest of world
Cost new: £10,225

Paul Smith also designed a one-off Mini with 86 different-coloured stripes.

Production of Mini Cooper Sports LE

Year: 1998 (May)
Based on: Mini Cooper
Engine: 1275 cc
Exterior colours:

Brooklands Green (HFB – BLVC1265)
Black (PMF – BLVC644)
Roof: White

Exterior trim: Chrome grille and handles; white mirrors
Decals/badges: Twin coachlines with BMC-style rosette with the words “Mini Cooper” to the rear; “V” flash in yellow (similar to British Vita Logo) above the front side indicator; BMC-style rosette with the words “Mini Cooper” on the left hand side of boot lid; white bonnet stripes
Equipment: Two spotlamps, sports suspension pack, 13×6-inch Sportspack wheels, Sportspack wheelarches
Interior: Walnut dashboard; dark green leather interior; green carpets; dark green leather and black steering wheel; dark green leather gear change boot and knob
Production: 100 (50 of each colour); there is some doubt that the production color split was not even and that more green than black cars were produced.
Cost new: £10,525

Built to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Cooper’s victory in four Saloon Car Championship races in 1968.

Year 1999

In 1999, 40 Cooper S Works Touring/5 Sport and John Cooper LEs are introduced. This is to celebrate Mini’s 40th birthday party at Silverstone, and it is huge once again.

Production of Mini Cooper S Touring

Year: 1999 (March)
Based on: Mini Cooper
Engine: 1275 cc
Exterior trim: Stainless steel sill covers, alloy fuel flap, Cooper valve caps
Decals/badges: “Cooper S Touring” side decals, “Si” boot badge, John Cooper chassis plate under front seat
Interior: Leather steering wheel, walnut dashboard and door cappings, alloy door handles
Equipment:
Cost new: £11,595

On the Cooper S Touring, the Jack Knight 5-speed gearbox was available as an optional extra for £1,655.

Production of Mini Cooper S Sport 5

Year: 1999 (March)
Based on: Mini Cooper
Engine: 1275 cc
Exterior trim: Chrome bumpers and grille
Decals/badges: Cooper S Sport 5 decals
Interior trim: Leather gear knob
Equipment: 13×6-inch Rover Sportspack alloy wheels, Sportspack wheelarches, 2 auxiliary driving lamps
Cost new: £13,650
Options:

Leather interior
Electric sunroof

The Sport 5 was very similar to the Cooper S Touring except that it was offered with the 5-speed Jack Knight gearbox as standard.

Production of Mini Cooper S Works

Year: 1999 (March)
Based on: Mini Cooper
Engine: 1275 cc
Exterior colour:

Brooklands Green
Roof: Old English White

Exterior trim: Chrome grille, door handles and bumpers
Decals/badges: Coachlines with “S works” decals. Special red-winged badges front and back.
Interior: Alloy dashboard, door cappings, door furniture, and foot pedals; leather steering wheel and gear knob
Equipment: CD player, 12-inch alloy wheels
Production: 250
Cost new: £12,495
Options:

Jack Knight 5-speed gearbox
Sportspack

With 90 hp output from its big-valve high-compression engine, the S Works is the most powerful Cooper ever made.

Production of Mini 40

Date Launched: 1999 (April)
Based on: Mini Cooper
Engine: 1275 cc MPi (Multi-Point Injection)
Exterior colours:

Island Blue (BU5)
Mulberry Red (CDM – BLVC1274)
Old English White (WT3)
Tahiti Blue Metallic

Exterior trim: Chrome bumpers, grille, and handles. Optional Webasto electric sunroof.
Decals/badges: Gold “Mini 40” bonnet badge, anniversary decal on the body sides, chrome “GB” on boot
Interior: Color-matched leather seats with contrasting piping, alloy dashboard, chrome-detailed instruments, and a leather facia top, handbrake, and gear knob.
Equipment: CD Player, 13-inch Sportspack wheels, Sportspack arches, twin spotlamps
Production: 250 for UK
Cost new: £10,995
More details and photos: 1999 Mini 40 Anniversary, Island Blue Mini 40 LE, Mulberry Red Mini 40

Production of Mini John Cooper

Year: 1999 (August)
Based on: Mini Cooper
Engine: 1275 cc
Exterior colour:

Brooklands Green (HFB – BLVC1265)
Roof: Old English White (NNX – BLVC1205)

Exterior trim: Chrome bumpers, grille, and handles
Interior: Grenadine red leather upholstery (with black piping for seats) on dash top, door liners, gear gaiter, and door pockets; red carpeting; black leather steering wheel, handbrake grip and gear knob; alloy dashboard
Decals/badges: John Cooper signature in chrome-plated steel.
Equipment: 13-inch Sportspack alloy wheels, Sportspack arches, two spotlamps, CD player
Production: 300
Cost new: £10,995

Year 2000

Production of Mini Classic Seven, Mini Classic Cooper, and Mini Classic Cooper Sport

Year: 2000 (April)
Based on: Classic Mini
Engine: 1275cc (62 bhp)
Exterior colours: Solar Red, Old English White or Black.
Features: winding windows + dash vents, concealed door hinges, key start/steering lock, driver’s instrument binnacle, fresh air heater as standard, front disc/rear drum brakes, 6-point rubber-mounted subframe.
Production: N/A
Cost New: N/A
More details and photos: 2000 Mini Classic Seven

Production of Mini Cooper Sport 500

Year: 2000
Based on: Mini Cooper
Engine: 1275 cc
Exterior colours:

Tahiti Blue (JRJ – BLVC965)
Anthracite (LQW – BLVC1266)
Solar Red (CMU – BLVC1278)
British Racing Green (HAF – BLVC617)
Roof: silver

Exterior trim: Chrome bumpers and grille, silver bonnet stripes
Interior: Black and silver leather; alloy gear knob
Equipment: Four spotlamps, 13-inch alloy wheels, certificate signed by John Cooper, plaque inside glovebox, high level brake light
Production: 500 – Last ever to classic Issigonis design.
Cost new: £10,995

In 2000, BMW sells Rover to the Phoenix consortium, but retains the rights to the Mini name and future. Cooper Sport 500 LE introduced (500). Classic Mini production ends when the final Cooper Sport 500 LE rolls off the Longbridge production line ( No. 5,387,862). John Cooper dies Christmas Eve.