1968/1989 Rover Mini 1000 Cabriolet

This 1968/1989 Mini 1000 was converted to a cabriolet when new (1989) by a German coachbuilder authorized by Rover. It was imported to the US from the Netherlands in 2003 by the current seller. It's currently listed on eBay in Connecticut with 59k miles.

I've seen a few classic Mini convertibles online before, but never one like this. I usually don't like the look of framed windows and roll bars, but it probably makes this a much more usable car than the totally chopped ones with more rigidity and marginally more safety (and look how happy those people are in it!). I also really like the simplicity of the dashboard on this car, it exemplifies the car's purpose as a fun runabout without a lot of extras. It's got some sporty seats and is well maintained, though I'd switch out the Alpina wheels.

The seller has fixed the car up a little since he got it, but it's not perfect. It seems like a very usable car that you could fix up little by little. The drivetrain is good, brakes and tires are new, roof isn't leaky, floors are solid. Just some surface rust on the body and trunk, the roof boot doesn't fit anymore, and the wood is foggy from an old leaky windshield seal.

I like it and I'm curious to see what it sells for. It's got to be one of the only 89-era cabriolet models (I don't know how many were made) imported to the US and it looks like a lot of fun. Find it here on eBay, bid to about $2500 with 3 days left, r.n.m.

UPDATE: Bidding made it to $4,352 but didn't meet the reserve.