Cabrioni Monte Carlo – Mini Classic Convertible with just 3,620 km. One of the rarest Cabrioni models ever built.

Some cars are preserved as if they just rolled off the showroom floor — and in this case, that’s almost exactly what happened. This Cabrioni Monte Carlo was a show model on display at the 1991 AutoRAI in the Netherlands, representing Cabrioni Cabrio-Design itself. It was sold directly from the stand by the official Mini dealer in Rotterdam and has remained with its first and only owner ever since.

The car has only 3,620 kilometers on the clock. It has been kept indoors its entire life, occasionally started to circulate fluids and refresh the fuel — but never truly driven. This is not a restored car. It is an original, untouched collector’s piece.

What makes this Mini so special?

First of all, this isn’t just any Mini convertible. It’s a Cabrioni, hand-built in Huissen, the Netherlands, by Cabrioni Cabrio-Design — a company that, between 1989 and 1995, earned a reputation as the Rolls Royce of Mini convertibles. Only around 300 Cabrionis were ever made, and only a portion of those were built as the high-end Monte Carlo edition.

This Monte Carlo model was Cabrioni’s flagship design, featuring elegant body styling, wooden dashboards, high-quality interiors, and refined finishing details. Most were exported to Southern Europe, making surviving examples in this condition — especially in the Netherlands — exceedingly rare.

It’s also worth noting that Princess Caroline of Monaco drove one. That may not guarantee performance, but it certainly says something about style.

The Cabrioni story

Founded in 1989 by Ed van Bon and Hans Veldkamp, Cabrioni Cabrio-Design began as a small coachbuilding venture in a body shop in Huissen. The designs — Avant Garde, Avenue, and Monte Carlo — were created by Werner Waldecker and partially produced in the Czech Republic using custom moulds.

Cabrioni received glowing reviews from enthusiasts and journalists alike. In a 1994 issue of British Cars magazine, the Cabrioni convertible was ranked above both the original Rover Mini convertible and a German SSC Mini. It was declared “sans contestes le plus craquant” — without a doubt, the most charming.

Though the company ceased operations in 1995, Cabrioni remains an iconic name in classic Mini circles.

Exterior

The paint is entirely original and in concours condition. The manually operated convertible roof is flawless and closes perfectly. All badges, trim pieces, and factory details are untouched. No rust, no fading, no modifications — a true survivor.

Interior

Inside, you’re greeted by the luxurious Monte Carlo finish: wood veneer dashboard, original upholstery, tailored carpets, and pristine headliner. Everything feels authentic and exactly as intended from new.

Mechanical

The 1275 engine has barely been run, but it has been maintained to ensure it stays healthy. Fluids, rubbers, sensors and tires have been inspected or replaced as needed. The car drives beautifully and throughly feels like new.

Why Brooks Motors?

At Brooks Motors, we specialize in classics that tell a story. Not just pretty cars, but historically significant and truly original examples. This Cabrioni Monte Carlo is one of the most unique vehicles we’ve had the pleasure to offer. A former showpiece, single-owner, virtually unused, and one of the rarest versions of a coachbuilt Dutch Mini. You will not find another like it.