• Seller: Stephen P rotas
• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Mileage: 62,700 Shown
• Chassis #: WMWRE33463TD6437
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 1.6L Supercharged 4-Cylinder
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

The retro trend began to be felt within the automobile industry in the 1990s, and BMW joined the party when it unveiled its Mini Concept at the 1997 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Production commenced in 2001, with this Cooper S rolling off the Cowley, Oxfordshire line in 2003. It is not only a one-owner vehicle that presents well, but the mechanical enhancements have unlocked a significant amount of additional power to improve upon the Mini’s already impressive performance. Those who value memorabilia will welcome the selection of rare and valuable models and other items that form part of this package. The owner has had his fun with this classic and feels the time is right for the Cooper S to find a new home. Therefore, he has listed this icon exclusively with us at Barn Finds.

This Cooper S makes a positive first impression, and its beauty is more than skin deep. The Liquid yellow paint retains an impressive shine, and any potential flaws are too small to show in the supplied photos. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and rust isn’t a concern. This is unsurprising because the Mini has been garage-kept since Day One. It will score points with many, courtesy of the owner’s decision to order it with a Moonroof. He also added the numbers on the doors, a roof rack, and additional lights to transform the Mini into an old-school Rally car. The buyer receives two sets of wheels. There are the original alloys and a set of lightweights with Mini decals. The tinted glass is crystal clear, and the trim shows no evidence of deterioration.

A standard 2003 Cooper S placed 163hp and 155 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. Teamed with a six-speed manual transmission, it could cover the ¼-mile in 15.6 seconds on its way to 132mph. Those numbers are quite impressive, but this gem can show a regular “S”, which is a clean set of heels. The dealer-fitted Dinan S2 Package, Serial # S02552, includes an upgraded supercharger pulley that increases boost, a better fuel pressure regulator, a new chip and software for the ECU, and an upgraded air intake and exhaust. That pushes the engine’s power to 202hp, placing a low-15-second ET within reach. The Dinan Package isn’t a one-trick pony because the shock-tower strut brace and Stage 2 suspension endow the Mini with handling to match its straight-line performance. The car has a genuine 62,700 miles on its odometer and has been regularly serviced. It runs and drives extremely well and is a turnkey proposition that the buyer can enjoy immediately.

BMW knew precisely what the buyer’s priorities would be when it developed the Mini. They adopted retro touches like placing the speedometer in the dash center but ensured that the tachometer was in its rightful place right in front of the driver. It also equipped the car with features that would have been unthinkable when the original Cooper S hit showroom floors in the 1960s. Airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, parking sensors, and an AM/FM radio/CD player. The Mini’s interior is neat and tidy, with no damaged upholstery and no broken or crumbling plastic. Overall, it reflects the fact that this is a one-owner classic that has always been treated respectfully.

The memorabilia collection is worth a close look because it contains some interesting and rare items. It comprises over twenty pieces, with model car sizes ranging from tiny 1/100 scale to 1/6. Some are remote-controlled, while there are also books, posters, and other desirable items that would lift the appearance of any “Man Cave.” Additional images in the gallery provide scope into what the buyer will receive.

This 2003 Mini Cooper S is a wonderful classic, and the Dinan Package and its inherent performance improvements increase its desirability. It is an affordable and versatile gem that needs nothing but a new home. It could function equally well as a weekend runabout or a practical daily driver that can turn heads. That is why it deserves a closer look.