2001 Mini Cooper (Launch Car - 1 Of The First 500 Ever Produced)

Highlights

• Rare early build of the R50 Mini Cooper - one of the first 500
• Highly specified as a dealer demo
• Well cared for
• Lovely condition
• No reserve; great investment potential

Overview

Much has been written about the difficulties in replacing an icon such as the original Mini and it’s fair to say that some manufacturers have been more successful than others. But looking back now, it’s probably no exaggeration to say that BMW’s reinvention of the Mini was such a success that its replacement, the R50, can also be considered an icon in its own right.

Could we one day see early examples fetching the kind of money that classic Minis now command? Don’t bet against it. If that’s enough to tempt you into the world of Mini futures, then consider the example that we have here. Now, the R50 was first sold to paying punters on 7 Jul 2001, meaning that there was just a short stretch before the prefix Y-plate was replaced by the new fangled 51 plates and there are only around 700 cars that wore a Y registration when new. Analysis of DVLA records suggest that fewer than 400 remain and there’s already heightened interest in acquiring these early examples, particularly as some come with features unique to cars at this stage in the build cycle.

According to the Mini Y-register, a group set up to celebrate these early R50s, this car is number 473 off the line, deduced from the BMW build records that come with the car and the chassis number of 483 (they started at 10). It was built 2 months before the official start of sales and began life as a demonstrator at the Blackpool dealership, which is why it also comes with a windscreen hanger emblazoned with the legend “START ME”.

Since then it’s been well cared for by its four private owners, as evidenced by the generous folder of invoices. Currently showing a little over 100k miles, it remains unrestored but is in very good condition for its age nonetheless. Of course, it also retains the charm of the R50 Mini Cooper and, as such, will be a riot to drive, if not the last word in ultimate performance. But the appeal of this car stretches well beyond everyday usability and enjoyment. Given its position on the production line, it is of some historical significance and, if looked after and if the market follows the trend of its forebear, then it could be a very sound investment.

History and documentation

• Built May 2001, prior to the official launch of the Mini, and registered 6 Jul 2001, the day before sales officially started
• Supplied new as a demonstrator to Derek Woodman BMW/MINI in Blackpool
• Original PDI stamp from MINI head office in Bracknell
• Service stamps recorded as follows: Nov 2001 @ 6,120 miles, Jun 2004 @ 22,129 miles (both at Derek Woodman, the supplying dealer), May 2006 @ 35,288 miles, Mar 2008 @ 51,117miles, Mar 2009 @ 58,321 miles, Jul 2010 @ 65,440 and Oct 2017 @ 88,860 miles
• Invoices reportedly show later services, with the latest at 99,042 miles
• Other notable work includes replacement exhaust May 2013, new clutch Oct 2016, new rear shocks Jul 2019, alternator replaced Nov 2022
• Full document pack including all the original Mini books and START ME windscreen hanger
• Folder containing a collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• One key
• Current MOT expires 18 Jul 2024
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Sporting as it does red door cards and trim in addition to the Kaleidoscope Red inserts to the part leather sports seats, it’s really quite red inside which suits the character of the R50
• As an early build car, it has the later-discontinued Mini-branded pedal rubbers, which will win points with any members of the Y-register
• Originally a dealer demo car, it is well-specified, with the Chili Pack adding a rev-counter, trip computer and electric mirrors, amongst other niceties
• There are genuine Mini floor mats, twin cup holders and an aftermarket Pioneer stereo which reportedly has excellent sound quality
• The seats and carpets are in great condition, with only some minor bolster wear to the driver’s seat to show for its 100k miles of use
• The headlining has dropped slightly at the rear which may be an opportunity to see if this early car was built with or without extra sound deadening in the roof (for more Y-register nerd points)
• There are a couple of minor issues that need attention, too: the air con blows cool but not cold and the airbag warning light does not always go out -a common problem, due to the connectors under the seats
• The boot still has its mini parcel shelf
• In all, it’s looking in good shape for its age with opportunities for some improvements

Exterior

• Finished in Chili Red under Pure White, it’s an archetypal Mini Cooper colour scheme reminiscent of the Monte-Carlo winning rally Minis of the 60s
• Chili Pack additions to the outside include white alloys and fog lamps
• The paint is believed to be original and is largely in very good condition, save for a few areas, including one small patch of fading on the rear bumper and some very minor marks on the front scuttle panel and rear tailgate where vinyl stripes have been removed
• In general, the panels are straight with good shut lines, with just a couple of small dents as shown in the pictures
• The wheels are in decent condition all round, though one is missing a centre cap which is on order
• Tyres are recent budget items
• The original black plastic trim has shined up well
• Underneath appears sound with no corrosion advisories ever issued at MOT
• Overall, there are a few areas that would benefit from some light tidying but, once addressed, it has the potential to look tip-top

Mechanical

• 1,598cc four cylinder engine
• Five speed manual gearbox, clutch replaced 2016
• Front wheel drive
• Replacement exhaust
• Recent new ABS block and alternator
• The owner reports that it starts and runs well with no excessive smoke, holds a steady temperature and idles sweetly
• True to form, we’re told that it has fantastic handling and reasonably lively performance
• The gear changes are said to be smooth and the brakes strong and there is no reported transmission noise at all
• The handbrake would apparently benefit from adjustment as it only works at the top of its trave, but does engage
• In all, in looks to have been well maintained and still drives like a Mini Cooper should

Summary

The ‘new’ Mini isn’t so new any more and has become quite the modern classic. There’s plenty of reasons to go for any R50 Mini Cooper but this one has a place in history as one of the first 500 off the line, which gives it investment potential as well. Already in very good condition, with a bit of light cosmetic work, it could be a real belter, and one that would be welcome at any show, we’re sure. Then it’s a case of keeping an eye on the market!

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in St Albans, Hertfordshire.