2008 Mini John Cooper Works

Highlights

• Comprehensive service record
• MOT to May 2025
• 88,708 miles on the clock
• Recently rebuilt engine and turbo, new clutch and flywheel
• Excellent specification, double sunroof option

Overview

There’s little in life that’s as satisfying as a surprisingly capable underdog. And when it comes to underdog status in the car world, the R56 Mini JCW is one of those cars that those in the know regard very highly indeed.

“It’s just a Mini” some might say. Well, yes. But also, very much no. With a significantly uprated drivetrain over a standard Cooper S, the JCW has the punch as well as the handling chops to see off a surprisingly wide variety of exotica, both on track and on your favourite back-road blast.

While 208bhp and 206lb-ft may not sound earth-shattering, combined with genuinely fabulous handling, a low kerb weight (1,205Kg) and peak torque delivery between 1,800-5,600rpm it results in a car that offers quite staggering levels of overtaking ability and agility.

Finished in a stealthy black-on-black colour scheme with full black leather interior, this handsome example offers Spinal Tap levels of “none more black” styling and a cracking list of standard equipment. The engine and turbo was completely rebuilt by a specialist at the beginning of this year, with a new clutch and flywheel being fitted at the same time.

The upshot of all this is that we have here a car that looks great, goes like a cornered, angry badger and should have tens of thousands of miles in it before any major engine work is required.

In short, it’s a massive performance bargain. But still a Mini. What’s not to love?

History and documentation

• Registered 20 November 2008
• 88,708 miles on the clock, verified by the service and MOT records
• 10 former owners, current owner since December 2023
• Current MOT expires 1 May 2025
• Stamped service book with service stamps as follows: November 2010 @ 3,622; October 2012 @ 6,889; February 2014 @ 17,360; March 2015 @ 25,305; no date @ 31,225; November 2016 @ 43,056; October 2018 @ 62,166; January 2021 @ 77,530; March 2022 @ 81,599; January 2024 @ c.86,000 (engine rebuild, clutch and flywheel)
• Rebuilt engine and turbo, new clutch and flywheel – work carried out by The Mini Specialist in early 2024 c.86,000 miles
• 12,000 mile / 12-month warranty on the engine rebuild until March 2025 (original invoice dated March 2024); sadly not transferable but at least a demonstration that they will stand by their work
• Full original document pack
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear (checked in October 2024)
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Black leather upholstery which presents in good order, with some light age-related wear, but no notable damage or sagging, and no tearing
• Heated front seats
• Black carpeting and tailored over-mats
• Factory-fitted CD/radio system with plug-in Bluetooth FM transmitter (12v) included
• Factory option satellite navigation
• Electrically operated twin glass sunroofs
• Electrically operated windows and door mirrors
• Hands-free phone connection
• Cruise control
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Remote central locking
• Factory fitted alarm and immobiliser
• All of the internal cabin trim appears to be in good condition, with a few blemishes and marks, and a crack to the driver’s side front speaker grill
• The air-conditioning currently does not work as the owner believes there is a leak on the system
• Good-sized boot area, finished with dark grey carpeting, with the factory jack and towing kit underneath the floor panel

Exterior

• Black metallic paintwork which appears to be in good order, with some minor chips and blemishes consistent with the car’s age and mileage
• The bodywork shows nicely, with clean lines, good panel gaps and no obvious corrosion or damage we could see
• The vendor notes a very minor dent to the near-side rear quarter panel
• Factory fitted rear wing, bonnet intake and front fog lights contribute to the subtly sporting styling
• The glass elements and light lenses all look nice and clean, with no cracks, chips or damage we could discern
• All of the external trim and badging appears to be present, correct and in good order
• Looking underneath, the floor pans, sills and visible suspension components all look to be in fine fettle, with no obvious damage or notable corrosion
• We’re told by the vendor that the original, JCW exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels, finished in black, have been recently refurbished and are in excellent condition
• The front tyres have covered about 1,000 miles, while we’re told that the rears have about 5mm of tread

Mechanical

• 1,598cc four-cylinder, turbocharged, DOHC
• Factory performance figures: 208bhp, 206lb-ft, 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and 149mph top speed
• Six-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive
• MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension
• Standard JCW exhaust system
• Sport mode, Dynamic Traction Control, ABS
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Electronic Differential Lock Control
• Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Brake Assist
• Recent MOT highlighted some mild play in the front wishbones
• The plastic cover is missing from the brake master cylinder, otherwise the engine bay is very tidy and shows no evidence of any issues
• New clutch and flywheel fitted in early 2024
• Engine and turbo rebuilt in early 2024 by The Mini Specialist
• Engine rebuild included: uprated Supertech forged pistons, honed cylinder bores, freshly ground crankshaft, cylinder head de-coked and rebuilt, new valve stem seals, new big end and main bearings, new timing chain, sliders and tensioners, new oil pump, new (uprated) throttle, new water pump and thermostat, new coolant pipes, new injectors, new coils, new spark plugs, new fluids and filters, new gaskets and seals throughout
• Turbo rebuild by Best Turbos, including a new turbo oil supply
• The car has been run-in, and the oil changed twice in the first 1,000 miles since the rebuild
• We’re assured that the car runs and drives just as it should, benefits from fantastic handling, and has no mechanical faults or issues the vendor is aware of

Summary

For those in the know, the whip-crack handling and instant responses of this R56 JCW make it a wonderful little hot-hatch that can demolish any B-road you point it at, or embarrass some very expensive machinery at a track day.

Yet it remains a very usable daily driver – civilised and pliable around town, small enough for city streets and benefitting from a lovely specification. With its recent, professional powertrain rebuild and great history, it should also offer many years of performance motoring, all wrapped up in that elegant black colour scheme.

These are rapidly becoming sought after and collectible machines, and we reckon this could prove to be the perfect time to put one on your driveway.

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 Coventry.