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GuysWithRides.com is pleased to offer Lot 286, a German Market, 1996 Rover Mini Blue Star Edition, for sale in an online, reserve-style auction on behalf of the current caretaker. Only five hundred of these Left Hand Drive editions were made for the 1996 model year.

Bidding opened Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and continues through Thursday, November 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

This 1996 Rover Mini Blue Star Edition is offered as part of a collection currently located near Santa Cruz, California.

The Deets

Current Bid: $100

The 1996 Rover Mini Blue Star Edition, a beloved classic in the world of automobiles, was a special variant of the iconic Mini Cooper offered in the German market. This compact and charming car, known for its retro aesthetics and compact dimensions, carried the torch of its predecessors and became a symbol of British automotive ingenuity. The Blue Star Edition was a limited production model, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to an already iconic car. Only five hundred examples were produced.

For this milted edition model, Rover secured five hundred earlier used models, the bodies of which were repurposed as continuation cars. In the case of the example offered here, the body was originally produced as a 1969 model. Consequently, its registered and treated as a 1969 model and as such is exempt from the typical emissions and safety regulations usually reserved for a mid-1990s model.

The 1996 Rover Mini Blue Star Edition retained the unmistakable design of the classic Mini, featuring a compact body with its iconic round headlights, grille, and chrome accents. The Blue Star edition added a distinctive touch of elegance to this timeless design with its beautiful Deep Blue paint finish. This stunning blue color was a standout feature of the Blue Star Edition, giving it a sense of sophistication and style that set it apart from the standard Mini models.

The Blue Star Edition also featured exclusive decals and badges, highlighting its limited edition status. Chrome elements, such as the door handles, mirrors, and grille, enhanced the car’s overall appearance. The classic 12-inch alloy wheels, a hallmark of the Mini, were also present, providing a sporty and timeless look.

Despite its compact size, the 1996 Rover Mini Blue Star Edition offered a surprisingly comfortable interior. The Blue Star Edition featured two-tone leather seats, adding a touch of luxury and comfort to the cabin. The Blue Star logo embroidered on the headrests served as a reminder of the car’s exclusivity.

As with most Mini models, the cabin was designed to make the most of the available space. The Mini Blue Star Edition provided ample headroom and legroom for front passengers, making it a comfortable ride even for taller drivers. The rear seats, while not overly spacious, could accommodate passengers on shorter journeys. A sunroof option was available, allowing for open-air driving experiences on sunny days.

The dashboard featured the iconic Mini circular speedometer and simple, retro-style switchgear, paying homage to the car’s heritage. The Blue Star Edition included a modern audio system, a luxury not always found in classic Minis. The combination of classic design elements and modern amenities created a unique and charming interior atmosphere.

Under the hood, the 1996 Rover Mini Blue Star Edition was powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivered peppy performance, especially when considering the car’s lightweight design. The Blue Star Edition was equipped with a manual transmission, allowing the driver to engage with the driving experience fully.

The Mini’s front-wheel-drive layout and small size made it exceptionally nimble and agile. Its go-kart-like handling and tight turning radius were key features that contributed to its legendary status. The suspension was tuned to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining the car’s renowned ability to navigate tight city streets with ease.

The 1996 Rover Mini Blue Star Edition was a limited production model, making it a sought-after collector’s item. This exclusivity added to its desirability among car enthusiasts and collectors. The production run was relatively small, ensuring that only a select few had the opportunity to own one of these unique vehicles.

The 1996 Rover Mini Blue Star Edition represented the culmination of decades of Mini design and engineering. It combined the classic appeal of the original Mini with modern touches, making it a special and charming car for enthusiasts and those who appreciated the timeless design of the Mini Cooper.

Over the years, the Rover Mini has continued to be celebrated as a symbol of British automotive culture and design. The Blue Star Edition remains a cherished collector’s item and a reminder of the enduring popularity of the Mini brand.

The current caretaker of this 1996 Rover Mini Blue Star Edition reports it is in exceptional condition with no rust, no scratches, dings, or dents. Interior is perfect as well.  With just under 32,000 original miles, the seller reports their Mini runs great, shifts smoothly, and is registered in California properly as 1969; thus, no emissions testing or catalytic converter is required.

The seller purchased this Mini in November 2022 from a long-time friend. The car was covered and parked in his neighbor’s garage.  It was only driven rarely.  He bought the car in the UK and had it delivered to California in 2001.  He used it sparingly and then placed it in storage.

I worked on getting it running.  An experienced car restorer, the current caretaker installed a new battery, drained the gas, replaced the fuel filter, flushed the radiator, replaced the brake lines, installed new brake pads and shoes, adjusted the valve lash, steam cleaned and painted the engine, polished with Menserna 3800 Super Finish and waxed with Zymol Glasur. He also detailed the leather and wood-accented interior. The seller reports their Mini easily cruises in fourth (top) gear at 70 miles per hour at approximately 3,500 RPM, all while returning 34 miles per gallon.

The seller reports the only reason they are selling is due to the purchase of another Citroen, and his garage is full.

To help you make informed bids, we’re providing a link to Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the Classic Car market, that provides a summary of other recently sold Rover Mini models:

If you have any questions about this 1996 Rover Mini Mk VII Blue Star Edition For Sale, please leave a comment below or feel free to call Rudy directly at 877-468-6497.  Thank you for looking, and happy bidding!