1993 Rover Mini Sprite Saloon
Registration no. L520 EHO
Chassis no. SAXXNYADBBD077494
Engine no. 12A2BG03279146

By the end of 1980, the original 850cc Mini had gone, leaving the Mini 1000 - available in City and HLE variants - as the sole model available. Introduced at the same time, a heavily revised 'A-plus' version of the venerable A-Series engine, together with an improved gearbox (both from the Metro), made the Mini both quieter and more refined than ever before. In 1982 the luxury 1000 HLE version became the 'Mayfair', featuring tinted glass, cut-pile carpeting, head restraints, passenger door mirror, locking fuel filler, Raschelle velour upholstery (as seen in the Metro Vanden Plas) and radio as standard.

In 1992 the City base model was renamed 'Sprite' (a name also used for a limited edition Mini in 1983) and together with the Mayfair gained the Metro's 1,275cc engine. The following year both models' interiors were revamped with bigger, Metro-type front seats and, in the Mayfair's case, a burr walnut dashboard boasting a radio/cassette player and more comprehensive instrumentation including a rev counter. An alarm/immobiliser was standard on the Mayfair.

This manual transmission Mini Sprite has had only one private owner and has covered a mere 11,556 miles from new. Finished in red with multi-coloured cloth upholstery, 'L520 EHO' retains its original paintwork and 'smells like new' interior, and comes with all handbooks, service records, invoices and tax discs. The car is offered with a V5C registration document and recently expired MoT certificate (September 2015).