Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP MK1

About this Collectable

Mini John Cooper Works GP MK1 (no. 450 of 2000)

Only 2,000 of the Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works GP were built, 20 of them for the Netherlands. Within no time, they were sold to enthusiasts. To wave goodbye to the first ‘new’ Mini, home tuner John Cooper (JCW) was asked for a fitting farewell. So for the existing fast JCW version, the GP kit was developed that included red wing mirrors, a light grey roof with a hefty spoiler at the back, a rimmed air vent in the bonnet with the letters GP in it, wide sills and large open wheels. For those who think it is a fairground version: Then you haven't understood! The interior also has some ‘upgrades’ or actually the other way around, as the rear bench was replaced by a horizontal bar that improved the rigidity of the body. Insulation was also saved, the rear suspension consisted of aluminium parts and the suspension was made a bit more rigid. In the end, about 50kg went off the weight. This brings the weight to 1095kg. That's about as much as the much-acclaimed new Alpine A110! Less insulation is more noise and that's exactly what you want in this fun car. For a drive to Spain, it might be just a little too noisy, but for better steering, the experience is complete. JCW also interfered with the little engine, modifying the compressor and enlarging the intercooler to release 218hp at 7100rpm and 250NM. Thanks in part to the limited slip differential, the GP speeds to 100kmh in just 6.5sec and you can corner it unimaginably fast. Of course, to bring everything from top speed (240kmh) back to standstill, the brakes have also been modified with thicker calipers and special friction material.

The GP offered here was delivered new in Italy. The Italians love minis as evidenced by the 2 film classic ‘The Italian Job’. In Italy, therefore, there is a huge cult around the Mini GP and many are cherished there. This GP came to the Netherlands with about 20,000 km driving experience and was subsequently, just like in Italy, more cherished than driven. Recently, the GP had another service at Ekris and the car looks immaculate. 

Our opinion

The nicest Mini of all time, at least we think so. Not as overpowered as the latest GP version and still wonderfully raw and without modern trappings. Low weight, manual transmission and instant power thanks to the compressor. If you like real driving with kart-like handling, you can't beat a Mini GP MK1. The one we offered has very low mileage, is really in fantastic condition and has just had its major maintenance. As with almost all collector's items, the first types are the most sought-after. Just look at a BMW M3 or a Ferrari Testarossa. It will be no different with this Mini. A real specimen for the true collector to keep and enjoy from time to time.

Equipment

This Mini GP is equipped with:

Leather upholstery
18 inch rims
Metallic paint
Seat heating
Electric windows
Trip computer
Cruise control
Radio-CD player
Limited slip differential

Modifications

No

Notes

This Mini GP has hardly any signs of use and has always been owned by enthusiasts. The last service was carried out at Ekris in December. All fluids were changed and the airco was serviced. No other specifics.

Recent service history

- 27,647km - Service Ton Kerkhoffs
- 26-11-2018 - 38.452km - Service van Hunnik Barneveld
- 16-12-2024 - 45.388km - Service Ekris Velp

Included in the sale

Included in the sale of this Mini GP are:

2 keys
Various invoices and booklets
Original JCW cover

About the seller

The current owner owns a number of enthusiast cars noting that they are all manual. He bought the Mini several years ago through the dealer to add to his collection and to take some drives when the weather is nice. Unfortunately, it has stopped at about 1,500km and he hardly expects to drive it in the future. Therefore, the Mini may now go to a new enthusiast via The Collectables.

Summary

Seller - Bas
Seller type - Private
Location - Gelderland
Registration number - JK-465-R
Chassis number - WMWRE91060TF75536
Year of construction/date - 2006
Mileage - 45,555km 
Demonstration - Booklets, NAP, invoices
Warranty - No
Margin/VAT - Margin car
Bodywork - Coupé
Engine - 1600 cc with Compressor and 218 hp
Drive system - Front-wheel drive
Transmission - Manual
Exterior - Grey metallic
Interior - Black
Upholstery - Leather
Smoking car - No
Owners - 3 previous owners (as far as known)
Tyres - 205-40-18, VZ: Pirelli P7 DOT 2020 and >5mm, AZ: Bridgestone RE050 DOT 2016 and >5mm

The description of this Collectable has been compiled with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and can, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, in consultation with the seller, of course. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.

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