Evaluation: Located in Italy. Older restoration in its original colors with more recent mechanical servicing done in 2019. Represented as matching numbers engine. Some of the green paint is chipping off the engine but everything under the hood looks restored or replaced and the space is quite clean. No paint or body issues evident, but a lack of inspection report from RM makes assessing that difficult. Clean interior. No major flaws, just a clean and correct Cooper S, for which a matching numbers engine is a big deal.
Bottom Line: This Cooper attracted just 10 bids despite its charm, performance, and mostly impressive condition. A deal was probably close at the reported high bid, but the consignor can’t be judged too harshly for expecting more.