Any recent sightings of a towbar for an R53 (Cooper S) ?

[steveharman]

I came across some posts from few years back, well around 10 actually, from members who had towbars fitted to their Mini Cooper S. Mention was made of a parts supplier in the US who sold a kit, but sadly their website seems to be long gone.

Has anyone got any vaguely recent information relating to fitting a towbar to an R53 Cooper S ?

The obvious problem being the twin central pipes sticking out the back.

Thanks,

Steve

[Dr Interceptor]

The R53 Cooper S was never homologated for towing, so it will illegal for anyone to make or distribute a tow bar for it in the UK/Europe.

Worst still, even if you buy one from the US, you run the risk of invalidating your insurance by using it.

The Cooper D Clubman was homologated, but not the Cooper S Clubman, weirdly.

[steveharman]

Aha! Many thanks.

Steve

[CarsOrBikes]

Cars that are modified in general weren't homologated for that either, and insurance companies cover them if notified. It probably was just due to the exhaust, but that can be converted to a side exit easily enough. Maybe look to see if a One or Cooper had one? If so it can still fit as the rest of the car is the same bar the battery tray, or the One's spare wheel? I have no idea if there ever was one for those. They used to make one for the old Mini up until the introduction of the twin point injection car '98 and that was floppy compared to the new Mini.

[vikingaero]

Dr Interceptor said:

The R53 Cooper S was never homologated for towing, so it will illegal for anyone to make or distribute a tow bar for it in the UK/Europe.

Worst still, even if you buy one from the US, you run the risk of invalidating your insurance by using it.

The Cooper D Clubman was homologated, but not the Cooper S Clubman, weirdly.

I have a Witter towbar on my Cooper S Clubman! So it's NOT illegal to make, distribute or FIT one. The non-homologation makes it illegal to TOW with it. I use mine purely for a bike rack and my Insurers are perfectly fine with it. The towbar dealer had a standard non-tow letter I had to sign and undertake to pass on to any subsequent owner.

[vikingaero]

The Americans use trailer hitches on a lot of their cars:

http://new.minimania.com/part/NMX6110/Mini-Cooper-...