∙Incredible specification - highly optioned

∙Garaged throughout its life

∙An excellent ‘pocket rocket’ with year-round appeal
∙Excellent history complete with JCW tuning certificate

The success and cultural importance of the original ‘classic’ Mini was always going to be a tough act to follow, but when BMW-owned MINI unveiled the ‘new’ MINI in 2000, it was clear that they were onto a winner. 

Embodying the style and characteristics of the original whilst incorporating numerous design cues and technology updates to place it firmly in the 21st century, the new MINI was an instant hit and available in varying guises, from three-door hatchbacks to road-going JCW GP cars for the more hardcore enthusiast, with an extensive support network of both aftermarket and official upgrades available through the John Cooper Works (JCW) tuning program.

For the first generation (2000-2006) the hatchback cars were referred to by their model designation R53, with soft-top models referred to as R52 across all variants including the ONE, Cooper and Cooper S. 

This Cooper S convertible is a true gem of a car, having been incredibly highly-specified from the factory with just about every conceivable options box ticked at the time of ordering.

First registered in 2005 during the last full year of first-generation production, this Cooper S boasts an in-built sat-nav, Harman Kardon audio system, heated seats, Xenon headlights, a factory wind-breaker and factory DRLs with the exceedingly rare covers still in place.

Evidently not content with a high factory specification, the original owner of this example also had the car extensively fettled by MINI’s in-house skunkworks, JCW, with the resulting kit - serial number S10029 - enhancing not only the appearance but also the performance of the car, making this an exceedingly rewarding example to drive and enjoy. 

Despite this, however, it would appear that this particular car has been barely used, with a recorded mileage of only 13,400! 

Always garaged and kept with a soft cover over the car, a new Mohair hood has been fitted recently, this example benefits from a full main-dealer service history, and has recently been serviced in March 2021. 

Alongside servicing, our vendor has fitted brand new tyres, brake discs and pads all round and a battery simply due to the age of the components and lack of use, and the car is now ready for the next owner to simply jump in and enjoy to their heart's content. 

Included with the car is the full complement of dealer handbooks, manuals and documentation, along with all of the minor accessories such as key rings that were supplied with the car at the time of purchase. 

Both sets of keys are also present, a full tool kit, and the aforementioned fully-stamped service history round out this example’s excellent history, and the JCW tuning certificate Is present and correct to authenticate the work carried out to the vehicle.

Box-fresh, that’s how we’d describe the interior of this JCW convertible. 

From the turned aluMINIum dashboard inserts to the dials, switchgear and steering wheel, everything is in outstanding condition and looks to have barely been used. If you stare at the screen for long enough, you can almost smell that wonderful ‘new car smell’ that accompanies cars of this mileage and condition. 

The seats appear to have almost never been sat in, with only the most minor of creases and wear noted to the base of the driver’s seat in particular. The rest of the cabin appears to be unmarked, and even the usually worn-away icons on the various buttons, switches and gauges are still as crisp as the day they left the factory.

As with the interior, the bodywork, paint and graphics on this 13,400 mile Cooper S Convertible are in utterly astounding condition - no wonder the vendor describes this example as a “time warp” and “flawless throughout” - from what we’ve seen, it’s hard to argue!

There are no dents, dings, scuffs or scrapes to the bodywork or paint, and no signs of any typical car park dents or scuffles that usually befall a MINI of this age. 

Similarly, all four wheels are in wonderful condition, and wrapped in matching new rubber. 

The paintwork positively sparkles and retains an impressive lustre and depth, whilst the iconic MINI stripes along the bonnet are in excellent shape with no noticeable wear. 

As we’ve already mentioned, the Mohair hood is brand-new and has never been washed or used in the rain, meaning it is in outstanding condition with no sign of wear or damage. 

Being conservative, we’d expect to find the odd stone chip here-and-there, but the silver paintwork will go a long way towards hiding these, and we imagine you’d have to look very, very hard indeed to find any flaws here.

With a mileage reading such as this, you won’t be surprised to learn that the engine bay is utterly spotless, with all of the original warning stickers, info plates and the like remaining in place and as crisp as the day they were applied.

The JCW tuning kit has significantly enhanced the appearance of the engine bay, and all of these upgrades present in fantastic visual condition. The engine itself shows no sign of any leaks or issues as far as we can see, and the vendor reports the car is in outstanding mechanical health and drives as if the car is “brand new.”

Naturally, this also means the recent MOT exam - dated 17 May 2021 - is squeaky clean. In fact, in the car’s entire recorded online MOT history since 2008, the only fail has been due to defective windscreen wipers!

With its trademark MINI styling, characteristic ‘go kart’ handling and numerous JCW upgrades, this 2005 R52 Cooper S Convertible makes a very strong case indeed for an engaging daily driver, or a wonderful weekend toy should the next owner wish to keep the miles down. 

Offered in virtually as-new condition and in rude mechanical health, this is a rare chance to obtain a near box-fresh example of the R52-generation Cooper that is ready to use and enjoy. An opportunity not to be missed by any MINI enthusiast or collector, and one that is unlikely to be repeated for some time.