So, as you know, I’ve been looking back at old road tests in Autocar. The Mayfair one was revealing. While the 1997 Cooper one properly got me going.
I asked the question, wonder if the Mayfair’s still on the road? Tom Rowan answered it – probably not. He did a canny registration search, and discovered the potentially bad news.
Well then, I thought… if it worked for that, why shouldn’t it also work for P 752 KWK, the 1997 Rover press fleet car?
To the DVLA link I duly went. Whence, I got back some very interesting news.
The car still exists.
But it’s currently declared SORN.
Why? What’s it doing? Where’s it living? Has it been crash-damaged, and is currently being repaired? Is it a restoration project? Has the owner discovered its famed provenance, and is keeping it safely stored in a lockup somewhere?
I don’t know! But I would love to… see, if this is a car in ill health, that the owner wants to move on for minimal bucks, I’d definitely be interested. Hey – owning an ex-press car… what a thrill!
It could even be the same car my boss Peter Burgess had down here on loan all those years ago. It could be the same test car my mates at Autocar thrashed around the track. Providing me with the delights to pour over a few weeks later.
It’d be nice to find out. Anyone out there recognise it, and can help? If so, let me know.
Because, staring at the images, a metallic orange Rover Cooper on 13”s would do the job quite nicely, I think…
Can you help me buy a Mini in 2009?
Mini search over already? If I’m lucky
What can I expect from a Mini?
Just saw this article after a google search of my numberplate. I have had the car since (I think, but would have to check) 1998. I brought the car from a dealer in Bury St Edmunds and was the second registered owner. The first being Rover. She is currntly in great condition and SORN as I am keeping her safe and underwraps for the future. Do you have any information regarding her provenance?
Thanks
Duncan
(realise this was written in 09 so apologies for delay)
Wowzer – it’s found! Many thanks indeed for replying, Duncan: it’s great to know the car is indeed still out there.
I don’t have any information to hand, but I have my contacts, so will endeavour to find out more! Of course, if you do ever want to move the car on, too, do please think of me…
R