2004 Mini Cooper S by HRRCC

Highlights

• The 1st of just 10 examples prepared by renowned MINI specialists HRRCC
• Extensively renovated and upgraded
• Well maintained
• Recent full engine service and gearbox oil change
• Great condition throughout
• Highly specified
• Underside fully stripped and rust-protected

Overview

A true design icon, not just in the automotive world but in general, the cultural impact that the humble Mini has had cannot be overstated, so when new owners BMW announced a fresh model in 2001 the car buying public collectively held its breath.

We needn't have worried though because the new MINI (now capitalised) under German leadership was nothing short of fantastic, proving to be a huge global hit and there was much rejoicing when it became apparent that the John Cooper name, and indeed legacy would also be continued.

The sportier Cooper and supercharged Cooper S models were a welcome addition to the new MINI family and provided a healthy lift in performance with the 1.6-litre, supercharged inline-four in the S producing a very respectable 168bhp, allowing for a 0-60mph dash of around seven seconds

A capable car then, but what happens when you hand over your Cooper S to marque specialists Howard Road & Race Car Company? Well, you get this really rather special one of ten “Prepared by HRRCC” examples. Having established itself as the go-to for first-gen MINI fettling the company prides itself on being a family run, traditional car company refurbishing, rejuvenating and recreating modern MINIs into bespoke and stylish motor cars, and this is their very first “prepared by HRRCC” build that was worked on in 2024.

More than just a badge, the “Prepared by HRRCC” moniker means a 16 week detailed renovation and rejuvenation program that greatly improves the car over a standard model, from the exterior and interior to the engine bay and underbody. With a whole host of replacement parts, along with all of the necessary preventative maintenance, this particular car retains its standard Cooper S suspension and brakes making it a doddle to service and maintain whilst simultaneously being elevated far beyond its factory beginnings. A full list of works can be found below but suffice to say this is an incredibly special car with a revered provenance that presents in superb condition throughout.

History and documentation

• 2004 model year
• V5C present and correct in owner's name
• Underbody fully chemically cleaned, scraped back, surface rust removed and then fully treated with Dinitrol rust prevention and protection products
• First registered 2 Dec 2004
• In current ownership since Dec 2024
• Two keys
• Original book pack
• 1 of 10 “Prepared by HRRCC” examples
• Extensively reconditioned by HRRCC in 2024 with full pack of work carried out (details below)
• Featured on the HRRCC website
• Original service book is absent
• Replacement service book showing inspections at the following intervals: service at 87,824 miles (2021 – specialist), service at 88,003 miles (2021 – specialist), service at 88,752 miles (2022 – specialist), service at 90,611 miles (2023), service at 91,599 miles (2024), service at 92,238 miles (2024 – HRRCC), service at 92,928 miles (2024 – HRRCC)
• Various corresponding invoices
• New power steering pump by HRRCC 12 Nov 2024
• Supercharger serviced plus new water pump and auxiliary belt 1 Jun 2023
• New handbrake cables fitted 23 May 2022
• HPI clear
• ULEZ compliant
• MOT until 1 May 2026
• Current mileage 93,750

Interior

• In excellent condition throughout
• HRRCC logos present and correct
• Minimal wear and tear
• Some light marks commensurate with age and mileage
• Alpine stereo head unit
• We believe all gauges and switchgear to be working perfectly
• No apparent damage to report
• Door cards are in great shape
• Carpets and headlining are clean
• Leather seats and steering wheel are wearing well
• Boot area is tidy

Exterior

• In superb shape across the board
• All panels align perfectly with the exception of the bumper and bonnet on the passenger side where there is a slight discrepancy – the vendor informs us that there is no damage but needs realigning owing to front end off rectification work carried out by HRRCC
• Chilli Red paintwork presents beautifully
• Contrasting Aspen White roof in equally good condition
• Bespoke HRRCC decals
• Eight-spoke 17” alloy wheels are all in fine fettle with no signs of any real damage or kerbing
• Original refurbished 18" GP1 Style wheels available for sale
• Vendor reports the Kumho tyres are all new
• New door check straps
• New boot handle (colour coded)
• New DEPO rear light clusters
• Shot blasted and powder coated front and rear crash bars in Satin Black
• Shot blasted and powder coated centre exhaust mount in Gloss Red

Mechanical

• 168bhp, 1.6-litre supercharged inline four-cylinder engine
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Front-wheel drive
• 0-60mph in 7.2s
• 135mph top speed
• The area under the bonnet is in stunning shape owing to a previous full detail care of HRRCC
• The work carried out by HRRCC includes the following:

Full engine service and gearbox oil change

Power steering pump

New hydro engine mount

New Corteco top mounts

New timing chain tensioner by Sytner

New front wheel bearings

New outer ball joints

New inner and outer CV gaiters

New Brembo brake pads all round

• No mechanical issues to report
• The vendor reports that the car runs exceptionally and the supercharger sounds great

Summary

Colloquially known as the New MINI upon release, first generation cars like this one are now very much considered as classics, and rightly so. Proving the new MINI to be an incredibly capable car worthy of perpetuating such an iconic marque, we think it's fair to say that this particular HRRCC build shines brighter and casts a much larger shadow than a standard example. An excellent and vastly improved representation of a much lauded model.

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 near Albourne, Mid Sussex.