Mini MPi
Offical launch documents from Rover at the time of the re-launch (september 1996)
"Announced on the 1st of October 1996, the most radical package of improvements in its history brought a new direction for one of the world's best-loved cars - the Mini. Making its debut at the Paris Motor Show, the latest Mini range sees greater emphasis than ever on its unique personality, enhancing its status as something far more than another small car."
WHO BUYS A MINI?
Throughout the 1990s, Mini has been moving steadily upmarket. In the key export markets of Europe and Japan, Mini has long been perceived as a desirable status symbol, bought for its heritage and unique, ageless style. The 1997 programme moves the UK versions of the car in this same direction, as there are no longer any 'entry-level' models such as the previous Sprite or low price Special Editions.
Typical Mini buyers are now less likely to be families seeking a second or third car, but increasingly tend to be single, well-educated professional and managerial people desiring a fashion statement.
The 1997 Mini sees an important step-change in the development and projection of the Mini brand by reverting to a classically simple and straightforward range that emphasises the strength of the brand, taking it firmly upmarket.
http://www.roblightb...97/official.htm
The value of the items necessary for the 1997 Mini to pass the emissions ECDII and pass-by noise regulations and the much increased specification does not mean a significant increase in price.
The 1997 Mini is priced on-the-road (including delivery, number plates, initial servicing and a year's road-fund licence) at:
- Mini 1.3i £9325
- Mini Cooper 1.3i £9625
Factory fit option pricing:
- Sports Pack £795
- Power operated full-length fabric Sunroof £795
- Metallic Paint £200
- Pearlescent Paint £265
- Classic Paint Colours £265
- Beige 'Luxury' Leather (Mini only) £500
- Black 'Cooper' Leather (Cooper only) £500
- 'Classic' Leather £500
- Alloy finish facia with extra gauges £350
- Wood door and rear quarter cappings £295
http://www.roblightb...1997/prices.htm
http://www.roblightb...e/extracts1.htm
Note previous year (May 1996) the Mini Cooper 35 anniversary limited - Launch Price was only £5,695
Scroll down for prices:-
http://www.austinmem...d-50/index.html
In late Summer/Autumn 2000 the price was upped yet further just as production was to end, presumably MG-Rover marketing were expecting a surge of nostalgic car buying. However in spite of the hype surrounding the demise of the Mini, sales didn't take off quite as thought but dropped further......so soon after MG-Rover dropped the price by £900 to get rid of the last 2,000 stock Mini's to find retail customers before the New MINI R50 (designed by Rover but launched under BMW) appeared in early 2001. In the Autumn of 2001 you could still buy a 'new old stock' classic Mini MPi.
Edited by mab01uk, 27 January 2017 - 11:47 PM.
