1998 Rover Mini Cooper

For Sale: 1998 Rover Mini Cooper Balmoral Edition – Factory A/C

Offered for sale is this charming 1998 Rover Mini Cooper Balmoral Edition, a Japanese-market Mk VII Mini finished in elegant White Diamond over Stone Beige leather with Balmoral tartan cloth inserts. A limited-production special edition, the Balmoral keeps its classic Mini character with refined British touches including wood veneer trim, factory air conditioning, and its signature Highland tartan interior. This right-hand-drive example is powered by a fuel-injected 1.3L inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission and shows just 26,000 kilometers (approximately 16,000 miles). Recently imported from the UK, this Mini is an exceptionally well-preserved survivor from the final years of original Mini production.

Features:
1.3L fuel-injected A-series inline-four
Factory-rated at 62 hp / 70 lb-ft torque
Maniflow exhaust
4-speed manual transmission
Front disc brakes
Rear drum brakes
Hi-Lo suspension components (cone-type)
Right-hand drive (RHD)
Factory air conditioning (rare)
White Diamond exterior paint (NAL)
Stone Beige leather upholstery
Balmoral tartan cloth seat inserts (SMJ)
Aqua blue carpet with black floor mats
Wood veneer dashboard
Three auxiliary center-mounted gauges
Three-spoke Mini airbag steering wheel
Chrome front and rear bumpers
Chrome grille
Body-color mirror caps
Black wheel arch flares
Balmoral black pinstriping
Tow hook on front bumper
Manual windows and door locks
Cassette AM/FM stereo
12-inch silver-finished Pepperpot alloy wheels
Joyroad Tour RX1 tires – 175/70R12
Full-size spare tire and jack in trunk

This Mini is in great overall condition inside and out. The White Diamond paint shines beautifully with minimal imperfections, complemented by clean chrome and crisp black trim. Inside, the Balmoral tartan and leather upholstery show only light wear, and the wood veneer remains glossy and free of cracks. The factory air conditioning system functions properly, and the car drives exactly as it should — lively, nimble, and engaging. Mechanically, it runs well and shifts smoothly. The only minor flaws noted are a squeaky fan belt and a small oil seep, which is common for A-series engines. All electrical functions, gauges, and stereo operate correctly, and the car is ready to be enjoyed immediately.

Production numbers for the Balmoral Edition were limited, likely just a few hundred units, and spread across multiple markets including the UK, Europe, and Japan.

VIN Decoding:
SAX – MG Rover
XN – Mini 1300
W – Mayfair
A – Two-door sedan
Y – 1300 SPi (high compression ratio, 10.1:1)
C – RHD, Manual, 3.21:1 final drive ratio
W – 1300
D – Longbridge assembly plant
145499 – Sequential build number
Paint Code: NAL – White Diamond
Trim Code: SMJ – Stone Beige leather

This 1998 Rover Mini Cooper Balmoral Edition is a rare, final-generation Mini that keeps its classic style with modern usability. With its factory A/C, distinctive tartan interior, and low mileage, it presents an opportunity to own a highly desirable and turn-key classic Mini that's ready to enjoy. Now offered For Sale by V Fine Motorcars in Austin, Tx. Contact us today!