2006 Mini Cooper S JCW GP

Highlights

• 215bhp supercharged four-cylinder
• 1 of 2,000 made, just 500 in the UK
• Just over 60,000 original miles
• Optional air conditioning fitted
• Comprehensive service record

Overview

No one likes a whiner, right? Well, usually we’d agree. But in the case of this particular whiner, we not only like it, we positively adore it. You see, the whiner in question is the R53 Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works GP – which we’ll refer to as the ‘GP’ from here on in, because the Editor gets annoyed when we pad the word count (Get on with it – Ed).

Why do we call it a whiner? Simply because this little pocket rocket draws its not insubstantial gusto not from an atmospheric or turbocharged engine, but from a little 1.6-litre supercharged four-cylinder. The characteristic supercharger whine and linear power delivery is quite the rarity in the world of hot hatches, at least since the days of VW G40s and G60s.

Of course, we all know the JCW is the extra special version of the Cooper S, but the GP is like the extra-extra special version. It’s the habanero added to the pepperoni pizza, if you will. Lighter, stiffer and punchier, it develops a meaty 215bhp, which with a kerbweight of just 1,090Kg makes it a proper weapon that’s as happy to demolish a B-road as it is to embarrass exotica at a track day.

It’s a rare beast too, with each of the 2,000 examples individually numbered – and only about 500 of these being made for the UK market. In fact, it was actually put together by Bertone on behalf of Mini, so it even has a touch of Italian finezza about it too. However, what makes this lovely example even rarer and more desirable is the fact that it’s been kept in such lovely condition, has genuinely low mileage, appears to be unmodified and was fitted from the factory with the optional air conditioning (trust us, you want that).

With a lovely, original specification and a fine service record, we can’t imagine a more perfect vehicle for the driver that loves to wring every last drop of joy from their commute, then nail every apex on a weekend.

One thing’s for certain, whoever wins the race for this rorty little gem isn’t going to be doing any whining. Except, you know, for when they’re driving. Because of the supercharger, you see? (That’s quite enough of that – Ed).

History and documentation

• First registered in September 2006
• Four former keepers, current keeper since December 2020
• Just over 60,000 miles, verified by the service and MOT histories
• Purchased by the current owner as part of his collection, sparingly used and refined and improved over the last four years including, we’re informed, a full respray last year to ensure that the car presents as well as possible
• Stamped service book with services as follows: May 2008 @ 11,269 miles (Cooper Tunbridge Wells main dealer); August 2010 @ 23,840 miles (Cooper Tunbridge Wells main dealer); February 2015 @ 37,548 miles (Mini Craft specialist); July 2017 @ c.48,000 miles (Inchcape Mini Reading main dealer - not stamped); February 2020 @ 54,314 miles (JS Motor Works, independent); December 2020 @ 54,710 miles (JS Motor Works, independent); July 2024 @ 59,939 miles (Inspection II at North Oxford Garage main dealer)
• Full document pack
• Collection of invoices and previous MOT certificates
• Two keys
• Current MOT expires 9th April 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Tracker fitted
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Heated black leather Recaro sports seats with red contrast stitching
• There’s a little light creasing to the leather and some minor marks but overall the seats are in very good order for the age and mileage of the car
• Black carpeting with dark grey over-mats, all of which look to be in good order
• There is no rear bench, as the GP comes from the factory with no rear seats and an integrated rear strut brace
• Factory option air conditioning fitted
• Alpine CD/radio system with Bluetooth connectivity
• Electrically operated windows and door mirrors
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Switchable traction control
• Cruise control
• All of the internal trim and switchgear appears to be in good order, with no warping, damage or significant wear to note
• The correct, polished metal ‘GP’ sill covers are in place, as is the numbered build sticker on the dashboard fascia
• We’re assured by the vendor that everything in the cabin works as it should, with no faults or issues reported

Exterior

• As with all R53 GPs, it’s finished with metallic Thunder Grey paintwork, red door mirrors and a contrast roof
• The seller tells us that the car was treated to a full respray in 2023 and consequently the paintwork is in excellent order with a nice, even gloss across the whole car
• Front and rear, the light lenses are clean and clear, with no chipping or cracking we could identify
• Similarly, all of the glass elements looks to be in fine fettle, with no damage on show
• The bodywork itself is very clean and straight, with no notable dents, damage or corrosion – it’s all in extremely good condition with even panel gap and straight lines
• Above the driver’s door, the roof mounted production number is present and correct, and matches the build sticker on the dashboard
• At the back, the GP benefits from a truly generous carbon fibre roof spoiler
• The bodykit for the GP consists not only of the spoiler but also unique bumpers and side skirts, which give the little hatch an aggressive, pugnacious stance on the road
• We’re delighted to see the car is still wearing the correct two-tone, diamond-cut, 18-inch, four-spoke GP alloy wheels, and that they’re in great condition
• The wheels are shod with a matched set of Toyo Proxes (215/35), which we’re informed were brand new last year and have covered in the region of 50 miles in total
• Underneath looks very clean with an expected level of minor surface corrosion
• In all, we think it looks cracking

Mechanical

• Supercharged 1,598cc 16-valve four-cylinder
• Front-wheel drive
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Factory-fitted limited slip differential
• 1,090Kg kerb weight
• Unique JCW GP stamped exhaust system
• The engine bay looks nice and clean, with no evidence of leaks or any other issues that we could discern
• Factory performance figures: 215bhp @ 7,100rpm; 184lb-ft @ 4,600rpm; 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds; top speed of 149mph
• Comprehensive service record, with the last service being an Inspection II full service at a main dealer in July 2024 @ 59,939 miles
• MOT to April 2025
• December 2020: new bushes fitted to the rear lower arms
• We’re assured by the vendor that the car drives just as it should, with no known mechanical issues or faults

Summary

We’re not sure what the BMW engineers were on when someone said “what about a supercharger”, but we’re awfully glad they all went with the idea. Because it perfectly suits the busy, up-and-at-em attitude of the car. And it’s a heck of a lot of fun.

The GP is an irascible little hornet of a car, ideal as a fun car for weekends and shows, or for the dedicated apex-botherer who wants to make every journey into a mini touring car session. Raw, analogue and joy-inducing, it should be clear by now that we think the GP is a great little car. Not to mention it’s as rare as a well-driven Mustang at a cars and coffee event.

We reckon it’s the perfect antidote to the ADAS-riddled, computer diluted experience you get in so many new cars. In truth, the GP is just what the doctor ordered. (You’re fired – Ed).

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. The car has been in professional storage for the last couple of years and can be viewed at the facility near Wallingford, Oxfordshire.