Racing Minis at Zandvoort
Photo: Copyright © 2019 Eelke Blok

Red Cooper

Since September 2008, I have a new job, without a lease car. I barely considered going back to using the White Cooper as a daily driver; I couldn't bare seeing it run away from me as it did before I got a lease car. After a lot of calculating, I decided I should get a new Mini of my own. I found a nice 2002 Cooper, in Chili Red, with a white roof, wing mirrors and bonnet stripes.

Update 25-9-2017: This car hasn't been in my posession for quite some time now. A '04 Chili Red Cooper and an '11 Volvo V50 have followed in its path.

I took the soundkit of the Checkmate before returning the car (I did pay for it myself, after all). Not all components can be used; the updated ECU software I had to leave in the Checkmate, and the modified air filter lid will not fit on the pre-2005-facelift model. Some under-bonet cosmetics, as well as the JCW exhaust, could be fitted to the new car. Instead of the Soundkit airfilter, I'll be fitting a K&N cold air intake soon.

Engine

  • 1598 Tritec engine
  • John Cooper Works Soundkit exhaust (catback)

Gearbox

  • Standard manual gearbox (Midland 5-speed)

Brakes

  • Standard disk brakes all round

Suspension

  • McPherson front struts
  • Z-link back suspension

Wheels/tyres

  • Silver Mini S-Spoke wheel
  • Pirelli P Zero Nero 205/45R17 tires

Exterior

  • Chili Red
  • White roof
  • White wing mirrors
  • White bonnet stripes
  • Chrome grill, bumpers, boot handle

Interior

  • Black cloth and black leather upholstery
  • Mini Sports seats
  • Heated seats
  • "Patina" interior panels
  • "Wave" radio/cassette playe
  • CD changer