2006 MINI MINI

2006 MINI Cooper S R53 Checkmate special edition, 78,500 miles, full service history, exceptional condition, specialist maintained and professionally restored.

This is a rare and highly desirable R53 Cooper S Checkmate special edition, finished in Space Blue metallic with the distinctive Checkmate details, silver roof and mirror caps, 17-inch Flame Spoke alloy wheels and Checkmate interior trim.

An original, carefully preserved example of the supercharged R53 Cooper S. The car is completely standard except for a Milltek exhaust, fitted by a MINI specialist. It has not been remapped, tuned or modified beyond that.

I have owned the car since September 2021 and have maintained and improved it properly throughout my ownership. All mechanical work during my ownership has been carried out by Mad4Mini Leeds, and the car has a full service history, supported by a comprehensive file of paperwork and invoices.

Importantly, the car has also had a supercharger service carried out by Mad4Mini at 77,270 miles..

In addition to the mechanical upkeep, the car has had a full professional paint restoration, including extensive refinishing, carried out by James Wood Auto Refinishers in Knaresborough. The bodywork is completely rust free and presents to an exceptionally high standard.

The underside has also had a full specialist restoration and protective sealant treatment, carried out by JR Classics in Doncaster. .

The car has led a very sheltered life in my ownership. It has never been driven in the wet since I bought it, and has been stored in a garage with a dehumidifier.

The Checkmate is one of the more interesting first-generation MINI special editions. Factory equipment included the distinctive Space Blue and silver styling, Checkmate decals and interior trim, 17-inch Flame Spoke alloys, sports leather steering wheel and, on the Cooper S Checkmate, desirable features such as the limited-slip differential, xenon headlights, air conditioning, on-board computer, front fog lights and interior lighting pack.

Mechanically, this is the facelift R53 Cooper S with the 1.6-litre supercharged engine, six-speed manual gearbox and the characterful, direct driving feel that has made these cars so sought after by enthusiasts. It remains one of the best modern classic hot hatches: compact, analogue, quick and full of character.

This car has had the sort of money spent on it that rarely makes financial sense on paper, but makes all the difference to the quality of the finished car. The expensive and important work has already been done: specialist mechanical maintenance, supercharger service, professional paint restoration, rust-free bodywork, underside restoration and protection, and careful dry storage.

It is aimed at someone looking for a properly preserved, highly original R53 Checkmate rather than a tired, modified or neglected example.

Highlights

2005 MINI Cooper S R53 Checkmate special edition

78,000 miles

Full service history

Owned since September 2021

Mechanically maintained by Mad4Mini Leeds during my ownership

Supercharger service carried out by Mad4Mini at 77,270 miles

Full professional paint restoration, including extensive refinishing

Paintwork carried out by James Wood Auto Refinishers, Knaresborough

Completely rust-free bodywork

Full specialist underside restoration and protective sealant

Underside work carried out by JR Classics, Doncaster

Dry-stored in a dehumidified garage

Not driven in the wet during my ownership

Highly original car

Standard apart from a Milltek exhaust

Space Blue metallic with silver roof and mirror caps

Checkmate decals and interior trim

17-inch Flame Spoke alloy wheels

Six-speed manual

Supercharged 1.6 Cooper S engine

Comprehensive file of invoices and supporting paperwork

The car presents beautifully and has clearly been cared for well beyond normal maintenance. It is available to view by appointment, and I am happy to talk genuine buyers through the history, maintenance and restoration work in detail.