2008 MINI Cooper S - Stage 3 - 380bhp

Highlights 

• 380bhp, stage 3 modified example

• Forged Lohen Config 2 turbocharged crate engine

• Many performance and exterior upgrades

• Bespoke interior

• Comprehensive service history

• Well maintained

• In excellent condition inside and out

Overview

The Mini Cooper S has perennially been a favourite for those seeking an unparalleled thrill ride so when the new Mini arrived in 2001 with a Cooper included in the model line-up there was much rejoicing amongst the petrolhead community. These sportier Cooper and supercharged Cooper S models were a welcome addition to the new MINI family and brought with them a hefty performance hike.

Inherently capable and built upon a solid, well-balanced chassis the spicy models would continue throughout subsequent generations with ever increasing levels of performance and technology, but much like the original Mini the scope for fettling is rather vast and the ability to squeeze more and more from the platform has led some folk to produce incredibly adept examples, like this particularly accomplished 2008 third-generation Cooper S.

Far from a standard Mini Cooper S this car has been significantly upgraded and tuned to a stage three build in 2021 using a forged Lohen turbocharged crate engine with supporting mods and now produces a whopping 380bhp as reported by the vendor. It's not all go and no show, however, presenting as it does in stunning condition throughout and in suitably souped-up guise. Not only is the exterior seemingly impeccable but the interior has also been enhanced and now presents as a bespoke install. 

Complete with a comprehensive service history and a stack of supporting invoices the car has clearly been very well maintained alongside all of the rebuild work with the vendor reporting that everything was replaced under the bonnet as part of the process. What we have here then is a truly special, one-off Mini Cooper S that should provide all of the aforementioned thrills one could possibly require.

History and documentation

• 2008 model year

• V5C present and correct in vendor's name

• First registered 01 Mar 2008

• In current ownership since 19 Nov 2020

• Six registered former keepers

• Two keys

• Comprehensive service history with original service book showing mainly main dealer and specialist inspections at the following intervals:

• 2008 pre-delivery check , 2010 @ 11,075 miles (main dealer), 2012 @ 24,618 miles (main dealer), 2014 @ 39,543 miles (main dealer), 2015 @ 62,508 miles (main dealer), 2016 @ 70,911 miles (specialist), 2017 @ 78,403 miles (specialist), 2017 @ 82,997 miles (specialist), 2018 @ 90,464 miles (specialist), 2019 @ 95,018 miles (specialist), 2020 @ 103,732 miles (specialist), 2020 @ 107,328 miles (timing chain, specialist), 107,991 miles service, 108,796 miles service

• Further annual service invoices dated 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025

• Invoice for Lohen crate engine with high performance turbo kit, Quaife differential and clutch and flywheel kit, amongst other parts dated 16 Feb 2021

• Numerous invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

• MOT until 18 Mar 2027

• 121,598 indicated miles (engine replaced at 108,796 miles)

Interior

• Custom interior is in superb shape throughout

• New seats fitted a year ago as reported by the vendor

• Limited signs of wear

• No damage to report

• Momo steering wheel

• John Cooper Works sill covers and dash badge

• Carbon fibre trim presents well

• Recaro floor mats

• Rear seats removed

• Rear strut brace and cargo net

• Dual fire extinguishers fitted in place of rear seats

• No reports of any electrical issues

• Boot area is tidy 

• The area under the bonnet presents beautifully and an AEM strut brace has been installed

Exterior

• The car is in excellent condition across all panels 

• No evidence of any damage or corrosion

• Bodywork appears free from any dents, scratches or major blemishes

• Uniform shut lines

• John Cooper Works decals

• Many aftermarket parts and carbon fibre trim pieces, including boot-mounted rear wing and bonnet air intake 

• Craft Square carbon fibre wing mirrors

• All glasswork remains in good condition and free from damage

• Various product decals applied around the car

• Black 17” Fox Flow Forged multi-spoke alloy wheels with polished lip present in stunning condition with no signs of any kerb damage

• Nankang Sportnex NS-2R tyres all round

• Vendor reports that the wheels and tyres are six months old

• Underneath looks to be in great shape with no evidence of any damage, repairs or corrosion 

Mechanical

• Lohen Config 2 forged crate engine

• Lohen high performance turbo kit

• Turbo Technics hybrid turbo

• Performance exhaust

• Powerflex handling pack with fast road set up

• Helix Autosport clutch and flywheel kit

• Quaife ATB differential

• Six-speed manual gearbox 

• Front-wheel drive

• The vendor reports that the car starts first time and being a stage 3 build with 380bhp drives and sounds unreal

Summary

If you're after a muscular, fully built and insanely fast Mini that goes just as good as it looks then this could very well be the car for you. Not for the faint of heart and definitely not for the shy and retiring, this is a unique and vastly improved representation of a much lauded model. Heavily modified, well-maintained and stunningly presented it takes the Cooper S ball and does its best Usain Bolt impression.  

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 Faringdon, Oxfordshire.