Is my Mini Cooper Works a collectors piece?

[Ploops]

Hello all, first post.

I've owned my 2001 Mini Cooper Works now for about 14 years. Loved every minute of driving it, but – very, very reluctantly – it's time for us to part.

It's a very early example of the new model and the reason for my posting is this:

It has an official Cooper Works conversion, one of the very early kit-fitted conversions.
In fact, the plaque on the engine states it's No.3 - the third one they made.
Does this made it special, a rarity?

If it is something significant, I'd hate to sell it to someone who wouldn't appreciate it.

This isn't about making any extra money on the sale. I'm not attempting to up the value.

But if it's a model worth treasuring I'll only sell it on to someone who will value its significance.
(It would be heartbreaking to sell it to someone who treats it like a cheap run-around for a couple of years and runs it in to the ground).

Any thoughts would be genuinely welcome.
Thanks in advance.

[steve-p]

I don't know what everyone else thinks, but I wonder if it might be a bit soon. At the moment, it could be in that position halfway between being one of many similar cars, albeit with a low number, and becoming a significant classic. Once it reaches 25-30 years old then I'm positive it will become significant, especially if by then it's the lowest numbered survivor. That's a while off, though, and it may have numerous owners between now and then, even if you sell it to someone who appreciates it.

[CarsOrBikes]

It will be a nicety for an enthusiast, but it won't do a lot for the value anyway, as the parts are the same as car number whatever, and it's still 14, but Mini club types will like to show number three if it's concourse one day.

[HorneyMX5]

Id get it up for sale in the mini groups and hope it goes to an enthusiast. A 1 owner, well cared for (I assume) JCW with a low conversion number should be cherished. If I had the space of make you an offer.

[Ploops]

Thanks for your messages Gents, I appreciate the time you all took to reply.
Much obliged.

[jcw210]

If you could send me some info on the car, it sounds like something I could have an interest in. Would go well with my r53 JCW! Thanks

[Leins]

HorneyMX5 said:

Id get it up for sale in the mini groups and hope it goes to an enthusiast. A 1 owner, well cared for (I assume) JCW with a low conversion number should be cherished

This. Definitely something that needs to be well-kept going forwards IMO too


As an aside, where have all the Hartge Minis gone to? Not seen one for a long time

[Mcbeth]

I sold my GP to a dealer who specialises in hot MINIs and Mustangs of all things.
Pm me if you're like and I can send you his details.

[sk15kev]

I bought an R53 JCW a few months ago as a small trip daily and as something that will at some time in the future be something worth talking about.

I'm def in the camp that the car you have is worth treasuring!