2013 Mini Cooper JCW GP

When the original Mini launched in 1959, it marked a revolutionary shift in the European car market. This small car that could fit down the narrowest roads, also managed to have extensive interior space and was tremendous fun to drive. These “Original” Minis were produced under numerous manufacturers until 2000, at which point BMW acquired the name and set to work developing a Mini for the 21st century. The new Mini offered a stylish exterior that harkened back to the original, and just like its forebear offered ample interior space and a fantastic driving experience. During this original run, engineers developed a limited-run special known as the Mini GP. This track-focused car deleted the rear seat, offered a bump in power and an even sharper suspension. It became one of the most talked about variants, leading Mini to develop another for the second “R56” generation. 

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This 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP is a fantastic example of this second generation car, and shows just 8,914 miles at the time of cataloging. Between 2012 and 2014, Mini built just 2,000 of these cars - this car is number 337 - and all were finished in the same specification. The exterior color is Thunder Gray Metallic, which is accented by a white roof and black/red/silver GP graphics on the sills and hood. As a GP, the car was fitted with more aggressive aero bodywork including the fixed roof spoiler, deeper side skirts, and vents in the lower front grille for improved induction. Although largely stock, this car has received a few modifications including a set of 17-inch lightweight Enkei wheels that sit in front of the factory-fitted Brembo sourced brakes with 6-piston calipers up front. 

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On the inside, black leather and Alcantara covers the two Recaro seats, which are accented by red stitching throughout. The black and red theme continues throughout the cabin with red seatbelts, red steering wheel stitching, a red shift knob top and a big red chassis brace where the rear seats would normally be. Although this may be a more track focused variant, it is still a well-equipped Mini, meaning that the seats are heated, the car still has automatic climate control and the stereo is great. 

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Sitting under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline 4 that makes 211 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. This marks a boost of nearly 40 horsepower over the standard Cooper S thanks to a larger turbo and improved engine internals, which is then run through a 6-speed manual to the front wheels. This car also benefits from the addition of a larger intercooler and freer flowing exhaust. Given its lightweight, these cars are quick, but where they really excel is with handling. A coilover suspension was fitted at the factory and developed in partnership between Mini and Bilstein, and items like a carbon kevlar flat undertray help with high speed stability. 

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