NO RESERVE - 2003 Mini Cooper S (R53)

Highlights

  • Excellent condition Indi Blue Metallic paintwork
  • High specification from new
  • Desirable earlier supercharged model

The Appeal

The R53 Mini Cooper S is a model remembered with great fondness by many Mini fans. The earlier R53 examples offered a low curb weight, coupled with the renowned supercharged 1.6L engine, giving for a great similarity in the driving experience of the older Cooper S Mini's. 

As the supercharged induction was soon after replaced by a turbo configuration, these earlier models are harder to come by and in turn more desirable for many. Even by today's standards the performance figures of the R53 Cooper S are impressive, a top speed of 135mph with a 0-60mph time of 7.4 seconds, definitely enough to keep up with the modern equivalents!



The History and Paperwork

  • MOT until 16/10/2023
  • Advisories on the last 2 MOT's have been addressed by the current owner
  • First registered 29/10/2003
  • Configured with Chilli pack from new amongst other specification upgrades
  • Full service history, main dealer and specialist
  • Recent full service 18/10/2022
  • Original owner’s manuals, service book and brochures included
  • Current owner is selling as it is surplus to requirements
  • Original sales invoice included, showing the high specification
  • Only 2 owners from new, staying with the same family
  • Kept garaged when not in use and very rarely driven in the rain
  • Original interior and exterior
  • Excellent condition and very low mileage for the age


The Interior

  • Original Satellite black part leather interior in excellent condition overall
  • All features such as aircon etc in working order
  • 6 CD changer located in boot
  • Harman Kardon sound system
This Mini Cooper S was the pride and joy of its first owner, meticulously looked after and cherished throughout. It has been passed on within the family with the current owner ensuring that this care and maintenance is continued. 

The interior is a great example of this, remaining in excellent condition overall. Some attention is possibly required on the driver’s seat, the original owner had the seat cushion removed in order to give some extra height. This padding has since been replaced but doesn't sit plush and is visually noticeable. However, once you are sat in the driver’s seat it is nearly impossible to tell, it is more of an aesthetic issue than a functional one. 

The headlining, floor mats and carpets are all in excellent condition too. There is a very slight scent of cigarette smoke present within the cabin but this is not overwhelming and an odour treatment would most likely remedy this. The steering wheel and switch gear show minimal to no signs of wear and are in a like new condition. The boot is also in excellent condition and has the original Mini toolkit present. 

The Exterior 

  • Excellent condition Indi Blue Metallic paintwork with chrome wing mirrors
  • Roof painted in body colour, specified when new
  • Matching original alloys
  • Minimal chips and blemishes
The Indi Blue metallic paintwork really suits this Mini Cooper S, giving it a classy aura whilst not being too flashy. The painted roof and chrome wing mirrors are lovely touches which further add to this class. 

The paintwork throughout is in excellent condition, any small stone chips have received some touch up paint from the previous owner. The only other point being a very small scuff on the offside front bumper, only noticeable when inspecting from up close. The original alloys have been very well looked after and remain in very good condition. 

Impressively, all brightwork has also been very well looked after, retaining a mirror shine and minimal to no signs of wear at all. A  special mention is deserved for the wing mirrors, they are immaculate and as you'd expect when it rolled off the production line. 

The Mechanics

  • Recent full service addressed MOT advisories
  • 4 matching Pirelli P-Zero run flat tyres with good tread
  • Lovely sound from the exhaust and supercharged engine
The current owner of this Mini Cooper S has recently had a full service carried out. This addressed the MOT advisories and saw for a new nearside front shock absorber as well as new bushes. Of course, the usual fluid and filter changes were also carried out to ensure this vehicle runs smoothly. 

Given the low mileage and thorough care, the current owner informs us that this vehicle drives and stops as it should, well and in a straight line. Being the S model there is a lovely rumble from the exhaust, in matching with the paint work it is noticeable but not overstated. 

The engine bay and underside are both in a clean and tidy condition, a very good sign for a 19-year-old vehicle and in matching with the original owner’s efforts to avoid driving in the wet. Whilst there is no spare wheel present on this model as the battery is located under the boot, all four tyres are run flat, giving added piece of mind to a prospective buyer. 



Summary

The R53 Mini Cooper S is a vehicle that can excite nearly all motorists, a lightweight, rigid chassis and some 161 bhp give for a truly exhilarating driving experience, without the need for excessive speed. 

This example was blessed with a very high specification from new and the 2 previous owners have been sure to honour this by keeping it in top condition. It has been cherished dearly and boasts very low mileage for the age. The condition throughout both the exterior and interior is genuinely impressive and invites you in. 

When viewing, the initial appreciation is shortly followed by an urge to take it for a spin, a quality nearly all Mini's possess. If you are in the market for a R53 Mini Cooper S then this example is very impressive indeed. It is in excellent condition overall and deserves to be cherished further by a new owner, you will be hard pressed to find an example in this condition with such low mileage.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 2003
  • Make Mini
  • Model Cooper S (R53)
  • Colour Indi Blue
  • Odometer 20,464 Miles
  • Engine size 1598
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Berkshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
77 bids
  • Ri•••• £7,700 29/11/22
  • pu•••• £7,600 29/11/22
  • Ri•••• £7,500 29/11/22
  • pu•••• £7,400 29/11/22
  • Ri•••• £7,300 29/11/22
  • pu•••• £7,200 29/11/22
  • Ri•••• £7,100 29/11/22
  • pu•••• £7,000 29/11/22
  • pu•••• £6,900 29/11/22
  • Jo•••• £6,800 29/11/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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