Descrizione
In June 2006 Mini published a press release for their most powerful production Mini to date. Known officially as the “Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit”, the GP was Mini’s first attempt to introduce as much tech and know-how from its Mini Challenge Clubsport Race Series into a road car.
Power was increased to 218bhp and 250 Nm of torque from the 1. 6 litre supercharged 4-cylinder engine thanks to a modified intercooler and ECU while the car gained a limited-slip differential and revised sports suspension.
Weight was reduced by 50kg over the standard JCW Cooper S thanks to the removal of the rear seats, sound deadening and the use of lightweight composite materials throughout the car.
Aerodynamics were also a big focus with a host of wind tunnel derived modifications including a revised front bumper, side skirts, rear spoiler and flat floor.
In the end, just 2, 000 units of the GP were produced globally. All finished in Thunder Blue with Pure Silver Roof.
Delivered new by Guarnieri MINI in Malaga to its first and only owner, this time warp European supplied example of the iconic Mini Cooper S GP1 has covered a mere 8, 100km from new. Having spent its early years in Monaco, the car returned to the UK with its owner and the rest of his collection and is now UK registered. It has just returned to us from MINI after a major service.
In an age where cars are getting more plump and bulbous, the GP1 offers a refreshingly nimble and analogue driving experience. The introduction of the LSD was a game changer for the little hot hatch through the bends whilst the whine of the supercharged engine is spine tingling and encourages the driver to push onto the redline before snatching another gear. Without a question of a doubt, we believe the GP1 to be one of the greatest hot hatches of all time and if you are after a really special low mileage example, this is the one for you.
