A new John Cooper Works Mini has just landed, if you hadn’t noticed, and for the first time ever it’s available in two different flavours. Firstly, an all-electric model based on the new J01 platform that’s built in China, and, as of a couple of weeks ago, a petrol-powered version based on the Oxford-made F65 architecture. Take note, other carmakers (coughJaguar): having a piston and EV version of the same model with equal performance is a fine way to cover all bases, what with variety being the spice of life and all. But it does make you wonder what form the next iteration lightweight, two-seater Mini GP will take.
Mini hasn’t yet said that another GP is in the works, and it’s probably still recovering after the, er, divisive GP3. That said, the firm's head of product, Dr. Stefan Floeck, mentioned in an interview at the current gen’s lunch last year that the goal is still to make another GP, before being swiftly cut off by a panicked PR person. No confirmation was the official word, with no details on whether a potential GP4 would be petrol, electric or both. And if it does come, it’s probably pretty far over the horizon anyway. So why not remind yourself of how magnificent Mini’s two-seater hatchback is with the original GP we have here.
In fact, you could argue that the John Cooper Works GP (to call it by its official name) kicked off the whole two-seat hot hatch trend. Yes, hatchbacks have been ditching the second row for decades, but (and please correct me if I'm wrong) most were of the homologation specials prior to the GP’s arrival. A Lancia Delta S4 or Peugeot 205 T16 are technically hatchbacks, but they were essentially off-road supercars dressed to look like their road-going counterparts - and very roughly at that. The GP, meanwhile, was purely aimed at the hot hatch enthusiast, stripping out the rear bench, thinning out the sound deadening and making the air con and radio optional extras to help save 50kg - down to a slender 1,090kg.
Coupled with that was a nice uptick in performance, too. The JCW’s 1.6-litre, supercharged four-banger received upgraded injectors, a revised intake system, a less restrictive intercooler and an ECU tweak hiking power up to 218hp. A freer-flowing exhaust embossed with the John Cooper Works logo came included too, while a standard limited-slip differential helped transfer a serious amount of grunt for a front-wheel-drive car to the tarmac.
And how about those looks? Four-spoke wheels are hard to pull off, but they look marvellous on the GP, contrasting well with the 50 shades of grey paintwork and trim. Tweaks to the bodywork were modest, ranging from sportier skirts to a taller rear wing, but they added just the right amount of aggression, while the interior benefitted from Recaro seats, GP branding and a strut brace where the rear seats once sat. Interestingly, all 2,000 examples (of which only 450 came to the UK) were assembled by hand in Italy by Bertone, such was the uniqueness of the GP’s build.
The GP has always been a special little car, and one that appears to be gaining more admirers as the years tick by. Fortunately, then, you can still pick them up for sensible money, as chassis number 24 here proves. It’s covered just 30,000 miles, has been with its current owner for the last eight years and comes with air conditioning. I know, I know, that just makes it heavier, but it’s a price worth paying to not melt in the summer, which is probably when you’ll be getting the most use out of it. This one’s up for £17,995, though if you don’t mind a few miles there’s car number 725 here for a £4k discount. Or if you’re in need of something newer, you could always drop a bid on this R56 JCW that’s currently up on PH Auctions…
SPECIFICATION | MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS GP (R53)
Engine: 1,598cc four-cylinder, supercharged
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 218@7,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 184@4,600rpm
MPG: 32.8
CO2: 207g/km
Year registered: 2006
Recorded mileage: 30,000
Price new: £22,000
Yours for: £17,995
1 / 6
