The first generations of the New Mini in 2001 were known as model R50s and then in 2002 came the R53’s (Cooper S) and both models were a huge instant hit. BMW built and engineered, with retro styling cues taken from the original Mini, they were a lovely little car with great character.
The secret is out now, these early models are becoming highly sought after, not only for their great looks, handling and practicality, but they are now very much seen as a modern day collectable classic and iconic car, and a great alternative to current small cars on the market.
For the first few years of its life this Cooper was looked after by Main Mini Dealers and has a stamped up service book to reflect this until around 2012 when it was afterwards serviced and maintained by local independent Mini specialists.
Purchased by the fourth owner around four years ago this car has been re-built literally from the ground up and is now up for auction. Just about everything underneath together with all suspension and brake components have been completely renewed or restored to a virtually new car standard.
Front and rear sub-frames have been powder-coated along with all the suspension arms, drop-links and anti-roll bars. Brand new bushes, wheel bearings, drive shafts and any slightly worn component has been completely stripped and replaced if needed. The list of new parts is extensive, exhaustive and very long.
It didn’t stop there either, with a new cat back stainless steel exhaust system, new battery, new ABS sensors, new radiator, new fuel tank support straps updated to non-corrosive stainless steel and even updating the original mirror base bolts for stainless steel ones as they always have a tendency to rust on all Mini Generation 1’s.
It has also just had a very thorough service with all new filters, fluids, gearbox and engine oils, spark plugs and cabin filters.
The car will come with a full years MOT and a full pack, including the wallet, of all the original Mini owner’s manuals and reference books.
The V5 is present showing three previous owners and there are numerous MOTs and receipts for repairs and servicing carried out by the present and previous keepers over the years.
The car comes complete with 2 sets of original keys and the important locking wheel-nut.
BMW designers did a great job on the styling and functionality of the interior combining a fabulous retro look with clear and very readable instrumentation and switchgear.
There’s a liberal use of aluminium in the cockpit and it is all clean and free from any scratches or defects.
The leather and cloth seats are all very good, as are the carpets and you have to look hard to find any signs of use or wear anywhere, in fact it’s hard to believe that the interior is 18 years old.
The bodywork and overall look of the car is quite spectacular with its deep and glossy Jet Black paint, white racing stripes on the bonnet, freshly refurbished and powder-coated white 16” alloy wheels and white door mirrors.
The car sits squarely on four brand new non run-flat tyres and all the glass and chrome is simply in outstanding condition all around the car.
The underneath is as clean and shiny as the rest of the car, and it just looks superb from every angle.
The low mileage engine runs sweetly and if you look under the bonnet it’s clean, tidy and looks almost showroom fresh.
This car has been very thoroughly prepared in every department and with so many new parts and attention to detail in the restoration of this car, it should make the winning bidder a very happy driver indeed.
The Mini Cooper has a nimble and well-balanced chassis and a willing 113BHP 16 valve 4-cylinder engine to move it along, and this one has been prepared to such a high standard that it is hard to find reasons not to bid on it.
It would make a perfect first car for someone, or in fact anyone who wants a small and practical car that’s full of character and fun to own and drive.
With demand for first generation Minis growing by the day, now could be the time to grab an exceptional example of a R50 Mini Cooper, a modern classic.
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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2003 Mini Cooper
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