Lot details

Year: 2003
Make: Mini
Model: Cooper S John Cooper Works
Registration: GV03 GWG
Chassis No: WMWRE320X0TC72223
Engine No: D368R027
Mileage: 59,000
•: Early pre-BMW JCW example
•: Optioned to over double its original list price
•: One owner from new with original order sheet

John Cooper Works (JCW) is now owned by BMW and it is an in-house tuning, development, and international automotive racing division for Mini vehicles. But it was founded in 2002 by Michael Cooper, son of John Cooper, the racing car maker and tuner responsible for the original Mini Cooper. It was in 2007 that BMW acquired the rights to the name eventually buying out the company in 2008.

The first JCW Tuning Kit to be made available for the Cooper S R52 was an upgrade for the Cooper S, producing a total of 200 bhp. Released in 2003, the kit consisted of uprated cylinder head, gas-flowed and ported, 11% Reduction of the supercharger pulley size making the same supercharger spin faster for a particular engine speed. Uprated exhaust system (maintaining the same manifold and catalytic converter) and remapped ECU. At the time, the kit could not be factory-ordered, but had to be retrofitted at Mini dealers or from John Cooper Works themself based in West Sussex, until late 2005 when the Cooper S could be ordered with the upgrade straight from BMWs factory.

This one owner from new example was purchased and specified direct from John Coopers West Sussex home, the original order form is in the history file showing the original colour specified as Dark Silver with Black and with Gravity Leather, the pair an option at the time. The options did not stop there with a panoramic glass sunroof, heated front seats, the Cooper Chilli pack, DSC and Harmon Kardon HiFi system and further options to the performance pack from John Cooper with additional bodykit, clear rear lights, alloy gear knob and handles finished off with the Union Jack roof decal and R90 cross spoke alloy wheels to name a few, taking a £12,055 list price to a staggering £27,850 after the options and JCW package. Owned and used as the daily driver, this example boasted the JCW badges, individually numbered engine plate and certificate signed by Mike Cooper. In 2012 the car was subject to a category D insurance claim but otherwise has been well maintained. Number 0097 this is a very capable and collectable example from the original pre-BMW John Cooper Works, offered without reserve with an MoT until April 2025 this is sure to be very popular at auction. Consigned by Mathew Priddy

Guide Price £6,000-£12,000