2003 MINI COOPER S - 16,632 MILES

This 2003 Mini Cooper S is a low-mileage, low-ownership example of a modern classic hot hatch, presented in very good condition and with an appealing factory specification. Under the bonnet sits the 1.6-litre supercharged inline-four engine producing 163bhp, coupled with an engaging six-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates just 16,632 miles from new.

First registered in January 2004, this Mini Cooper S has been in the vendor’s possession for the last six months, but is not registered in their name. The first owner was an international interior designer who used the Mini sparingly when they were in the UK, and it was kept by them from new until February 2020. Thereafter, it was briefly owned by the managing agent of their flat, before being acquired by the vendor in July 2020.

This pre-facelift example was delivered new to Mini Park Lane, complete with a number of optional factory extras including heated seats, wing mirrors, washer jets and a heated windscreen, as well as automatic windscreen wipers. It was also ordered with a multi-function three-spoke steering wheel, giving the options of cruise control and remote radio controls, a full panoramic roof with tilt option, and the expensive Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade – adding approximately to £4,000 to the original cost of the car.

The car’s original owner spent much of their time in the US, but kept this Cooper S safely locked up in an underground London car park for use on occasional visits, hence the low mileage and great condition. The vehicle was regularly driven short distances to keep the fluids circulating, with the vendor noting it has been very well-maintained, sometimes with only 500 miles between services.

The bodywork of this Cooper S presents well, and to the best of the vendor’s knowledge, has never sustained any serious damage. Some light restoration work has been carried out, including the fitment of new chrome headlight rings and washer covers, as well as new Cooper S door step inserts and an original Mini header tank, returning the car back to its factory specification.

The Jet Black paintwork is described as being in good condition, with the vendor indicating the front bumper and rear hatch have benefitted from a respray. Some light stone chips can now be seen on the bonnet, but these are only visible under close inspection. The vehicle rides on a set of refurbished 17-inch alloy wheels, which have been powder coated in the original shade of silver.

Moving inside, the seats are trimmed with Gravity Black leather, the condition of which has been described as excellent. The seat bolsters and edges present with some light creasing, though as the car has been limited to occasional use and still has the original carpet over-mats fitted. The speedometer and dashboard setup appears with no sign of any major scuffs, and all of the switchgear is reported to work as it should, with no electrical issues to report.

The last routine maintenance was undertaken in July 2020 at 16,650 miles, when The S-Works carried out an engine service before fitting new brake discs, adding fresh brake fluid and giving the car thorough check-over. Prior to this, similar routine maintenance was carried out in January 2017 at 15,077 miles and in February 2016 at 14,165 miles, both by Goodmans Garage in London.

The most recent MOT test was on 29 January 2021 at 16,630 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The wheels come wrapped with a set of Zeta tyres, which reportedly have around 4mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the vehicle is the original bill of sale, as well as the stamped service book, Mini owner’s pack, two keys and a selection of maintenance invoices.

This Mini Cooper S is an exceptionally original and low-mileage example of the renowned hot hatch, which has been regularly maintained and stored in a secure, dry car park for much of the last 16 years. With a smart black-on-black colour scheme and a great factory specification, this Mini Cooper S would make a fun addition to a collection of modern classics, as an occasional weekend car or a capable daily driver.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.