2008 Mini Cooper S JCW

Highlights 

• 211bhp JCW tuned version

• Manual gearbox

• Many performance and styling upgrades

• Well maintained

• Recently fully serviced

• Low mileage

• Long, advisory-free MOT

Overview

There are certain cars that are inherently grin-inducing. Cars so fun to drive that you can't help but smile every time you get behind the whee. The Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works, although a mouthful to say, is one such machine. Combining a 200+bhp, 1.6-litre turbocharged motor with pin sharp steering and an incredibly well-balanced chassis the Mini Cooper S JCW hatchback is arguably more exciting and engaging to pilot than many far more expensive sports cars.

Following on from the tuning kit that JCW offered for the R52 and R53 generation MINI, this time around things were a little different, partly due to the presence of a turbo as opposed to the older supercharged MINIs, but power was still raised – up by 17bhp – meaning the factory car's 0-60mph time was slashed to just 6.5 seconds.

The Cooper badge has always carried a lot of weight, and indeed expectation, with the original Mini Cooper very much representing David in a land of Goliaths but the new Cooper JCW exceeded them all with the R56 perhaps being the pinnacle. These cars remain a favourite not only among the general petrolhead public but also by those track day enthusiasts that relish embarrassing far mightier machines on circuit.

And this particular low mileage 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW is one such car. In excellent condition throughout the car has clearly been cherished and well-maintained, coming as it does with main dealer service history until 2021. The vendor reports the car was then garaged in 2021 and has covered just 1,000 miles since. Recently serviced and with a long, advisory-free MOT the car's mechanicals appear to be spot on.

With full JCW engine upgrades, along with JCW exterior and interior styling, including the highly desirable Recaro JCW sportster leather and Alcantara seats, the car presents as an incredibly capable and sought after example of one of the best modern classic hot hatches out there. If you're a fan of the pure act of driving then this MINI Cooper S JCW is definitely worthy of your consideration.

History and documentation

• 2008 model year

• V5C present and correct in owner's name

• First registered 17 May 2008

• In current ownership since Oct 2010

• Two keys

• Original book pack and wallet

• Two former keepers 

• Original service book showing main dealer inspections at the following intervals: pre-delivery check (2008), service at 17,324 miles (2010), service at 28,101 miles (2011), service at 50,217 miles (2017) together with an invoice showing a main dealer service in 2021 at 60,225 miles

• Various invoices for servicing and maintenance as well as old MOT certificates

• Last serviced 04 Nov 2025

• Original purchase documents

• Vendor reports the car has been garaged since 2021 and covered approximately 1,000 miles since

• HPI clear

• ULEZ compliant

• Advisory-free MOT until 20 Oct 2026

• 60,828 indicated miles

Interior

• Full JCW interior, including steering wheel, handbrake, gear knob, mats, etc.

• In good condition throughout

• Wholly original

• Normal light wear and tear to high traffic areas commensurate with age and mileage

• Includes rare Recaro JCW sportster leather and Alcantara seats

• Sports mode

• Dynamic stability control

• Heated front windscreen

• Air conditioning

• Automatic headlights

• No damage to highlight

• Vendor reports that everything works

• Driver's mat is a little dirty

• Boot area is clean and tidy and comes complete with original parcel shelf and a selection of tools

• The area under the bonnet is a little dirty but all engine ancillaries look to be in good shape

Exterior

• The exterior of the vehicle is in excellent condition

• Full JCW styling pack

• Vendor reports the car has never been repaired

• Pepper White paintwork remains in good condition

• No evident dents and only very minor paint chips commensurate with age and mileage

• Good panel alignment across the board

• All glasswork looks to be free from blemishes, including the front spotlights

• Model-specific badging is present and correct

• The 18” alloy wheels are in good shape with only a few minor marks to note

• Some of the centre caps are beginning to blister in places

• Vendor reports that the Pirelli Cinturato run-flat tyres are in good condition

• Underneath is in fine shape with no signs of any damage or corrosion

Mechanical

• 211bhp, 1.6-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox 

• Front-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 6.5s

• 148mph top speed

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor reports that the car starts, runs, stops and sounds exactly as it should

Summary

Still one of the best modern hot hatches money can buy, the MINI Cooper S JCW remains a highly desirable purchase for those looking for a truly fun and engaging drive. This particular example ticks a lot of boxes thanks to its decent service history, low mileage, great overall condition and general mechanical health. Get it bought and go and humble a few giants while you're at it.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Ingatestone, Essex.