2008 MINI COOPER S (R56) JCW 'SCHIRRA GTS'

This Mini Cooper S JCW ‘Schirra GTS’ is a superb modified hot hatch built by engineers at Schirra Motoring – and is effectively a road-legal version of the company’s 2008/09 VLN racing car. Under the bonnet sits an extensively modified and optimised version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four, now producing around 270hp and 350Nm of torque, coupled with a strengthened six-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 27,071 km.

This Schirra-built Mini Cooper ‘GTS’ has been tested extensively at the Nürburgring, and was covered by the motoring media after setting numerous impressive lap times – most notably a 7:44 lap of the Nordschleife, driven by Christian Gebhardt, as seen in the video below.

It is not simply a lightly modified Mini like so many other cars available. The Schirra GTS build represents a sophisticated and professionally rebuilt machine, with a low kerb weight and substantially increased power. In November 2015, it was named the Sport Auto magazine Car of the Year in the ‘Tuned Small Cars’ category.

First registered in October 2008, this Mini has been with its current keeper for six years, purchasing it directly from Achim Schirra. It has since been used for weekend drives and the occasional track day.

The bodywork is all in good shape and comes finished in a bold shade of Orange, with various Schirra Motoring emblems and branded racing decals along the skirts. The vendor has indicated that some age-related stone chips can be seen on the rear quarters and front apron. The bodywork, windows, and wing mirrors have been lightened, and the cabin has been stripped out – losing approximately 200kg so that it now tips the scales at around 1,000kg – while it rides on a set of lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels.

Under the bonnet lies the most significant upgrade. Its 1.6-litre inline-four has been enhanced with an optimised intake tract and improved piping for air and water flow, plus larger intercoolers, with extensive effort and attention paid to the thermal stability of the powertrain and its brakes under high loads. The latter benefits from the presence of brake cooling ducts, and louvres in the bodywork.

The extensive upgraded specification includes AP Racing brakes, a specially tuned Drexler limited-slip differential, uniball strut bearings, adjustable anti-roll bars, and KW Clubsport suspension. Furthermore, the Getrag gearbox was uprated to handle the power boost, and an M&M race exhaust system with a 200-cell catalytic converter was installed. The exterior was enhanced by a flush underbody, a larger rear diffuser, and a tailgate-mounted rear wing to improve downforce.

Inside, the car features racing bucket seats – with painted backs to match the body colour – equipped with red Schroth harnesses, which present with minimal wear. It has also been fitted with a roll cage, a racing Sparco steering wheel and a tachometer-mounted timing device, all of which present very well. There are no electrical faults, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

The most recent maintenance was undertaken in March 2021 at 27,071 km, where technicians at Schirra Motoring replaced the engine oil, gearbox oil, and spark plugs, before carrying out some routine checks and renewing the TÜV. Prior to this, the vehicle was serviced in 2018 and 2016 by Schirra Motoring, while minor routine checks have been carried out by Schirra during and following track day outings. The wheels are currently wrapped with Dunlop tyres, which the vendor reports will need to be replaced. A second set of wheels with slick tyres is also part of the sale.

Accompanying the vehicle is a folder of registration documents, maintenance invoices, posters and examples of motoring media coverage for the Schirra GTS model.

This Mini Cooper S JCW ‘Schirra GTS’ is a modified road-legal racer, built to a great specification and very well maintained. It has been tested extensively at one of the world’s most punishing circuits, and would make a superb road toy or competitive track day companion for its next owner.

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