2020 Mini John Cooper Works GP3

Highlights

• Striking Mini Cooper GP3, one of 575

• DMS Automotive map gives 350bhp

• GP Touring Pack, upgraded brakes and BBS rims

• Full service record

• Complete PPF coverage at a cost of over £4k

• Just one owner from new

• Valuable private plate ‘GP03ACE’ included 

Overview

If you were to tell the ghost of Alec Issigonis that a Mini existed with 306hp and a 165mph top speed, he’d be spinning in his grave faster than the JCW GP3’s turbocharger spools up – and trust us, that’s a heck of a spin.

Introduced in 2020, the fastest Mini ever made is serious piece of kit – decked out with bold red detailing, a sporty cabin and the piece de la resistance in the form of BMW’s B48 2.0-litre engine with a twin scroll turbocharger, the flagship of the JCW line-up is a gigglestick of a car – one that will slice a grin on your face and leave it indelibly imprinted from ear-to-ear. 

The standard car dispatches 0-60mph in five seconds flat, with a JCW sports exhaust system that has more crackle and pop than a fresh bowl of Rice Krispies, yet it handles with the kind of maturity we’ve come to expect from BMW’s chassis engineers. However, this one has the extra spice of a DMS map which raises the power output to 350bhp and probably drops the 0-60 dash into the sort of territory that some Porsches would struggle to keep up with.

The chassis set-up is unique to the GP3 – this is no warmed over standard Mini, and that was reflected when new in its price tag of over £35k. Those who bought one weren’t daft, though, as four years on, a good example is still worth around 80 per cent of its list price making it one of the slowest depreciating cars ever made, as well as one of the most sought-after Mini derivatives. It goes without saying, really, as it’s also the fastest and arguably the most entertaining of the lot. 

It's collectable, too. Only 575 UK-spec examples were made, and it was almost sold out when it first went on sale, just as the Covid-19 pandemic reared its ugly head. Today, there’s a queue of people wanting to experience one, and if you’re in that queue then we’d advise you to elbow your way to the front, as this one’s an absolute gem. 

The vendor of this car got lucky, and took delivery of his new GP3 just a week before the UK went into lockdown – it must have been frustrating for him to be under house arrest during the first few weeks of ownership, but when restrictions were partially eased, reduced traffic levels and a fabulous new hot hatch to exploit would have been a tonic most car enthusiasts would have craved. 

Almost five years on, he’s ready for a change, so the GP3 is up for sale – in lovely condition and properly looked after by a genuine enthusiast, paint-protected from new with an upgraded brake package and a full BMW service history, it’s a lovely example that has clearly been very well cared-for. 

 

History and documentation 

• UK V5C in the owner’s name

• MOT to March 2025 – no advisory notices

• Original book pack and documents

• Both sets of keys

• Invoice for brake upgrades in 2021

• Receipt for NVN paint protection package, at total cost of £4,350

• Digital service record stored on car’s ECU, showing services by the same BMW main dealer at 4 miles (March 2020, PDI); 9,087 miles (September 2021); 15,681 miles (March 2023); 17,538 miles (November 2023); 20,095 miles (December 2024)

• Individual dashboard plinth and exterior graphics showing the car to be GP0380 out of 575

• Private plate GP03ACE included in the sale

• London ULEZ compliant

 

 Interior

• Bespoke GP3 sports seats in excellent order with no notable wear

• Correct GP3 floor mats

• Rear strut brace and no rear seats – standard GP3 specification

• Specified with the only available optional extra, the GP Touring Pack, which includes the Navigation Plus Pack (with, most notably, Apple Carplay), heated seats and dual zone automatic air conditioning

• Black leather sports steering wheel with red stitching

• Factory infotainment system

• Voice activated commands

• Cruise control

• Bespoke red seatbelts

• GP3 dial graphics and GP badges

• Original tyre inflation kit

• Superb internal condition with no real wear and no signs of damage

 

Exterior

• Racing Grey, with Melting Silver roof and GP3 red grille inserts, door graphics and rear spoiler

• The build number is clearly presented on the outside, too

• Full NVN Paint Protection Film 

• Excellent condition with no dents or previous accident damage

• Small chip in windscreen

• Unmarked BBS CI-R 19” x 8.5 wheels (originals available by separate negotiation) to accommodate upgraded brake callipers

• Michelin tyres in excellent, nearly new condition

• The vendor reports that the car has no scratches, dents or paint damage

 

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre supercharged BMW B48 2.0 turbo 4cyl

• Eventuri air intake

• A DMS Automotive Tune gives 350bhp  and 376 lb ft of torque

• Eight-speed automatic

• AP Racing brake upgrade with oversized callipers and 360mm grooved discs

• Regularly serviced in accordance with schedule

• Reported by the vendor to be in good mechanical order with no known faults

 

Summary

Here’s your chance – this is one of the most sought-after Minis ever made, and it has been cherished by the same enthusiastic owner from new who has made some choice but reversible upgrades.

Now it’s a barrel of 350bhp laughs, with a soundtrack and a chassis to match. If you’re looking to start the new year in style, then here’s the perfect tonic to banish those winter blues – one of the most fun cars of the modern era, and in superb condition throughout.

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. This seller is located in Braintree, Essex.