"More power, less weight and even better to drive, the original Mini Cooper S GP R53 is already a hot hatch icon and, as such, values are beginning to firm up. Here’s what to look out for when buying and tuning one. Launched in Summer 2006, just one version of the Mini Cooper S R53 with John Cooper Works (JCW) GP kit, to give it its full name, was available. Power came courtesy of the Cooper S’ supercharged 1.6-litre Tritec four-cylinder, with JCW parts, including a faster-spinning supercharger, revised intake system, uprated injectors and a freer-flowing stainless-steel exhaust. This resulted in 218hp at 6250rpm along with 184lb ft of torque at 4600rpm, and that meant a 0-62mph time of just 6.5 seconds, along with a 150mph top speed. Assembled by the legendary Italian coachbuilding and manufacturing company Bertone, outside this Cooper S had a new and unique aerodynamic package including front and rear aprons, chunky side skirts and the Mini Challenge-style rear wing. On top of this, there’s the one-off Thunder blue exterior colour with a Pure silver roof, which displays the car’s unique number on the right-hand side, plus Chili red mirror caps. Finally, you can’t miss the lightened four-spoke 18” alloy wheels. The interior is equally special, and the car is just a two-seater, with the area where the back seat used to be taken up by a lidded storage box. There’s also what looks like a rear strut brace over the back suspension, but it adds nothing to the body shell’s stiffness."
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