Highlights
- Rare and highly sought-after
- Just 35,356 miles verified by MOTs
- Genuine John Cooper Garages conversion
- A superbly-presented, collector quality example
- Family owned since 1998
- Newly serviced and MOT'd with no advisories
- Dry-stored and very lightly used for the last 20 years
The Appeal
Every petrolhead understands the importance of the Mini Cooper, both in terms of motoring history and motorsport provenance. And the John Cooper Garages converted models have become iconic examples of just how good small performance cars can be.
What we have here is a genuine John Cooper Garages conversion of a MkVII 1997 Mini Cooper. It’s one of the final generation of classic Minis and, as such, is very collectable, especially as John Cooper Garages closed in 2004. This example has been extremely well maintained and is presented in exceptional condition.
What we have here is a genuine John Cooper Garages conversion of a MkVII 1997 Mini Cooper. It’s one of the final generation of classic Minis and, as such, is very collectable, especially as John Cooper Garages closed in 2004. This example has been extremely well maintained and is presented in exceptional condition.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in February 1997
- In April 1998 the Mini was taken to John Cooper Garages and converted to the Si specification, increasing performance from 62bhp to 85bhp
- Purchased by the second owner from Dutton Forshaw, Blackpool in August 1998 and family owned ever since
- Just 35,356 miles, verified by service and MOT history
- Full stamped service history to 27,908 miles
- Original owner’s handbook and service book
- Numerous invoices and receipts
- Conversion invoice from John Cooper Garages
- Covered just over 2,000 miles since 2014
- MOT to 23rd June 2023
The Interior
- Black and cream Monaco upholstery
- Metal sports pedal set
- Walnut wood trim
- Period Kenwood radio/cassette system
For a Mini, this Cooper S is quite a luxurious place to be. The John Cooper Garages package brought with it a number of external and internal styling enhancements as well as the drivetrain modifications.
The cabin is adorned with lovely, black and cream vinyl upholstery across the door cards and seats. With contrast cream piping and a complementary sports steering wheel, it looks absolutely fantastic. And here it’s in superb condition, looking even better than its 35,000 miles would suggest. There’s no damage or significant wear we can identify, and overall it presents superbly. Matching the excellent upholstery are the black carpets, which are in fine condition throughout the cabin.
As part of the enhancements for this special edition, a significant amount of walnut wood trim was added to the interior, including the main dashboard fascia, door caps, door handles and window winders. It adds a real dash of sophistication to the Mini’s cabin.
The boot compartment is trimmed in bright red carpet, to match the exterior paintwork. This is in excellent condition and, underneath the carpet, there is a full-size spare Minilite with a good tyre. You also notice when lifting the carpet that the floor of the boot is in superb condition, straight and with no discernible evidence of corrosion, damage or distortion.
The Exterior
- Fantastic Flame Red paintwork
- Rallye-style fog and spot lamps
- Still wearing its 1998 Dutton Forshaw dealer plates
- 12” Minilite alloy wheels with recent Yokohama tyres
- ‘Cooper S’ laurels, red enamel ‘Cooper’ bonnet and boot badges
- Dry-stored and very lightly used for the last 20 years
Looking truly stunning in its original hue of Flame Red with contrasting white roof and bonnet stripes, this muscular little performance car looks every inch the motorsport hero.
The paintwork itself is in excellent condition, with only minor blemishes commensurate with the vehicles age and use. It’s clearly been cherished and well looked after. All of the external trim looks to be complete and in similarly fine condition, as do the classic 12” Minilite alloys, which set the stance off beautifully. They’re shod in new Yokohama A539 tyres, which were only fitted in May 2021 and have barely done any miles since then.
Underneath, the car looks to be in very good order, with the sills and valances (common problem areas for Minis) looking very straight, clean and tidy with no sign of corrosion we could see.
This is no surprise, as the last two owners undertook quite extensive bodywork renovation to keep the car at its very best. Some of the work undertaken, confirmed by invoices, includes:
- 2009: New scuttle panel, NS/OS door skins, NS/OS outer sills, side step panels, OS/NS wings
- 2010: New NS/OS A-panels
- May 2021: New rear valance, back panel, closing panel, rear subframe
As such, the car presents exceptionally well externally.
The Mechanics
- Classic 1,275i 4-cylinder engine
- John Cooper Garages conversion
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Stainless steel exhaust
- Extensive maintenance and servicing record
One of the first things that gives real confidence in this car’s mechanical integrity is the fine service and maintenance record. The official service book contains five stamps as follows: 1,102 miles (March 1997), 6,181 miles (June 1997), 13,104 (March 1998), 19,718 miles (May 1999) and 27,908 miles (November 2004). Since this time, the invoices and receipts that come with the car confirm it has been serviced by independent specialists.
The John Cooper Garages conversion was carried out in April of 1998 and increases the 1,275i engine’s power output to a meaty 85bhp. Twinned with the manual transmission, it makes the already potent and fine-handling Mini Cooper Si into a proper, fire-breathing little go-kart. The Mini also benefits from a quick shift gear lever, which can easily be reverted back to original factory specification if desired.
As the records included with the car confirm, previous owners have clearly cared for the car in a meticulous manner. Works recently undertaken include:
- May 2021 (Mini specialist): New differential seals, new gearbox seals, new rocker cover gasket, new exhaust brackets, new rear brake pipes, new rear wheel cylinders
- June 2022 (CPS Automotive): New front and rear shock absorbers, new Hilows, new knuckles, tracking adjustment, full service
This level of care is evident when you look under the bonnet - the engine bay is very clean and tidy, with no evidence of leaks or anything untoward. Notably, the Mini has passed its last two MOTs with no advisories.
Summary
With a classic Flame Red and white finish, replete with motorsport touches and John Cooper badges, this charming little performance car is a true delight. Presented in exceptional condition, with a great service history, we’re sure it’s going to make its next owner very happy indeed.
With classic Minis now getting rarer and more difficult to find in such good condition, whether you're looking for a new daily classic, something for the shows or a potential investment piece, this brilliant, rare and highly desirable little pocket-rocket has to be worthy of your consideration…
With classic Minis now getting rarer and more difficult to find in such good condition, whether you're looking for a new daily classic, something for the shows or a potential investment piece, this brilliant, rare and highly desirable little pocket-rocket has to be worthy of your consideration…
Notice to bidders
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 seller’s discretion.
