2012 Mini Cooper (Goodwood Edition)

In the ‘old days’, there was a slightly bizarre and intriguing automotive trend of making small cars luxurious. There were the Wood & Pickett and Radford Minis, the Vanden Plas BLs and even an upmarket Citroen 2CV; no, really, it was called the Bijou. Despite never really going away, with more mass market models like the Renault 5 Monaco, the pint-sized luxury car never really took off.

Which is why it seems even stranger that BMW decided to wander back down this motoring cul-de-sac in 2011 with the Mini ‘Inspired by Goodwood’. Whatever possessed it to make a £40k Mini, with a cabin made from Rolls-Royce materials, we’re glad it did. Presumably the sensible suits were on annual leave during that particular planning meeting… Just 1000 were made, with a mere 119 thought to have come to the UK, making this extraordinary Mini stand out from the crowd.

With a recorded 1676 miles, the first owner having apparently only driven it for a year before placing it on display in his private collection, the mechanical bits of this Mini have barely covered enough ground to be considered out of delivery mileage.
 

Finished in Rolls-Royce Diamond Black metallic paint – complete with snazzy flakes that give a shimmer to the near immaculate bodywork – it’s hard to differentiate this Mini from a former showroom model. The exterior has a more subtle appeal than the more overtly sporting Cooper S, upon which it’s based, as the usual vented bonnet has made way for the Cooper Diesel’s and, aside from a pair of ‘Inspired by Goodwood’ badges by the side repeaters – and that paint, of course – those not in the know could be forgive for mistaking this for a run-of-the-mill Mini.

Unsurprisingly, there are a few downsides to a car that’s barely moved in 12 years. The tyres seem to be those supplied with the car new. So, despite the minute miles covered, these might be worth changing if you plan on actually driving the car. In a similar fashion, the brake discs show some light corrosion from a lack of use. Only very mild however, and likely to clean up further with some use.
 

The outside of this Rolls-Royce of Minis (quite literally) may seem a touch understated – that was the point after all – but that critique certainly can’t be levelled at its cabin. Swing open a door, and you’re greeted by walnut veneer, deep lamb’s wool rugs and even an expertly woven headlining. The seats are shod in sumptuous Cornsilk leather that invites you to park your posterior on these pampering pews.

The trim, wood and leather all look as new, with ‘Inspired by Goodwood’ flashes – to the clocks and centre console plaque – reminding you that you’re in something very special; as if the fit and finish in this cabin could let you forget. Standard fit equipment for this Goodwood Mini includes rear parking sensors and a Harmon Kardon stereo, the latter offering AV in and USB connectivity, as well as DAB radio functionality and satellite navigation. In this top-end tearaway you’re also treated to air-conditioning and heated front seats.
 

To all intents and purposes this is, mechanically at least (and in most other regards too) effectively a near new car. The underside has to be seen to be believed. It’s extremely clean and tidy, with not even any obvious surface corrosion to speak of. The same goes for the engine bay, which proudly displays its gleaming plastics and clean components. In fact, it’s only the mildly faded finish of one of the upper hoses that breaks the new car illusion.

This Mini changes its own ratios, via the six-speed automatic, which was specified for most of these more up-market models. It doesn’t appear to be leaking any vital fluids, with the other major components all seemingly equally continent. The view around the obstructive plastic panels, shows parts stickers still present and perfectly readable on most components. Everything we could see certainly looked very clean and tidy, even for a car displaying so few miles. 
 

As one would expect, for a car that’s barely covered the equivalent of 14 laps of the M25, this Mini hasn’t seen too many pitstops for either dealership or specialist attention. In fact, there hasn’t been any, according to the invoices, although we do have the original brochure for the model, two sets of keys and the supplying invoice.

The latter shows that its first owner (up to November last year) spent a mammoth £41,258.14 to buy the car new from Ocean Mini Falmouth on 26 July, 2012. 

“I purchased the vehicle new and used it sparingly for one year only,” explained the first owner. “After that, it formed a part of my small private collection. It has an automatic gearbox and its only covered 1590 miles in my ownership, so the condition is like new inside and out”.

He ensured that the Mini had been maintained in-house, by having its oils changed every year. “We are now reducing the size of the collection, so it’s up for sale. Of the 1000 constructed, there were 248 made in right-hand drive with 119 of those sold in the UK”. 

The only other point worth noting from the car’s limited documentation is that it’s been MoT’d every year from new.
 

Since it was last sold by us, less than a year ago, this Mini has apparently been stored in a dehumidified environment. The former keeper has since passed away, which is why the car is now being offered for sale again, after such relatively short ownership.

If you’re in the market for a special-edition Mini that’s bound to wow all comers at shows, one to drive and enjoy sparingly, or simply an extremely rare Cooper S to tuck away for a rainy day, it’s hard to beat this Goodwood goodie.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £27,000 - £32,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.