RE: Mini JCW GP Mk1: Spotted

[KrissJ]

I bought one of these a few months ago and it's absolutely fantastic!

I've owned and driven all sorts of performance cars, from hot hatches to super saloons to supercars and the GP is up there with the best in terms of handling and outright fun factor. It only has a third of the power of my last car but I've never regretted the change. It's suprising how much attention the GP gets too.

[AuthurDaley]

Had a JCW 210. Lovely sound. Harsh ride and some material quality a little left to be desired. As said, needed caning to extract its potential - but when on the move, it was pretty quick - 3rd and 4th gear pickup was very impressive!

GP's are a good price now, and with a tad extra power, less weight, and other improvments, these are a great car.

[Tickle]

I had a look at one of these and still keep looking on the PH classifieds at them.I really like the look of the first edition GP's. I may have the mini itch! The seats put me off in the one I looked at, not keen on leather really. Also the pedals, are there any issues with there layout for heel & toe?

Edited by Tickle on Thursday 21st November 13:35

[si_xsi]

no issues with heel and toe - perfect for it!

[Ved]

As much as I don't have much time for MINI, I think these are pretty great.

[roystinho]

I have actually been eyeing up this exact car for if/when mine sells. I see it as a bit of free fun for a year or so

[cronk-flakes]

VEA said:

Bahaha... just buy one, you know you want to

Cut it out!

And get back to work

[Deadlysub]

It's funny I was thinking today if Pistonheads would run a Cooper S GP story with the new Mini pictures released, log on to PH and bam there it is!

Misses had a Cooper and it was an unreliable little thing but it did get abused

[JDMDrifter]

Saw one of these the other day with a track stance, massive brakes, and stripped interior looked surprisingly badass for a mini

[leedsutd1]

I had a cooper s works four years ago ,they look better with colour coded arches

[LaurasOtherHalf]

love my GP2, though i've never driven a GP1 if it's anything like as much fun as mine it'll be a cracker i'm sure

[MagicalTrevor]

leedsutd1 said:

I had a cooper s works four years ago ,they look better with colour coded arches

If you say so I prefer them non-colour coordinated

[Amirhussain]

Awesome looking car

[New POD]

Wifey is talking about giving her 2001 Cooper (not an S) to Darling Son IF he gets a first.

My 2 reactions to her pointless generosity are a) For fk Sake NO. b) Great. I'll buy me..erm...YOU a cooper S (not a works as I think we should take small steps here)

Something like this perhaps: Yes yes less power, but less cash too.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

Or this

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

But I'd struggle with this YUK

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

Edited by New POD on Thursday 21st November 20:53

[Not the Sam]

Mine is up for sale in the classifieds

Cracking car, but now I commute a long distance I need something better on fuel. The second I have the space for a second car though, I'll be straight back. Compared to my old S2000, this is on a different level IMO.

[405dogvan]

Evo have a massive hard-on for the GP2 - they rate it better than any other hot-hatch and alongside stuff it really shouldn't be alongside (it shared track with the MP4/12C CanAm in their TCOTY video, for example) and I have to admit that it does sort-of appeal to me in a way no other BINI does.

Removing the (impossible access in the Mk1 anyway) back seats makes it a more honest thing and the package is very 'MINI' - even down to the garish body bits and wheels IMO

Not sure I'd actually want to be seen driving one - equivalent of wearing low-rider jeans in your 50s I think - but I can see the appeal (tho not, perhaps, at nearly-Boxster-money!!)

[GP MIN]

R66STU said:

I pass one of these every day on my commute along the A303.. the guy really uses the car and must do a lot of miles as I have seen him at quite far points on my journey. had a very fun back lane chase with it across Salisbury plains in my wifes 09 smart brabus in the summer

Hello..that, I'm sure, must be me! There aren't any others around 'these 'ere parts..'

Great article this, and a great car. Actually, I remember back at the time there being great test drive reviews - and after trying to keep up with one in 2006/7 down the A30 twisties (I was just trying to read the badge..) I finally bought one in 2008 with 12k miles on the clock.

I've had it ever since as my daily, and it's now done 102k miles - I still love it. I extended the warranty after the initial 3 years, so it still is covered - a must in my opinion, they have to be looked after. I've thought about selling it a few times across the years (just mileage really), but I just can't! Says a lot.

It's very useable, rides lovely, as well as handling superbly - especially for a front wheel drive car. You can corner how you like - the 'proper' LSD is superb. And it's quick - against some real 'grown up' stuff. Sounds great too.

They are always better in the flesh rather than pictures - I think the E46 M3 is like that too. The supercharger is ace, very addictive, but as for the 32 mpg manufacturer quote...er, no - mine has been an consistent average of about 27 for most of its varied journey life. But I'm cool with that, obviously!

I could go on, but anything anybody wants to know, give me a shout. Oh, and still a better power to weight ratio over the GP 2 with its 'special tyres' by the way..

[Clivey]

I love the idea of one of these but can't stand the colour - they look like the body is still in primer! - I'd probably prefer a well-specced non-GP and change.

I remember sitting in one at the motorshow when they were first launched. - A bloke got in alongside me and his brand new expensive phone (then top-of-the-range Nokia) fell out of his pocket and under the seat. He moved the seat back to try and reach underneath and crushed the phone in the rail! The noise of the screen cracking really filled the stripped-out interior. - Felt sorry for the poor chap but had to !