I’ll probably regret this but I am considering selling my 2003 Mini Cooper S R53 (and related items).
Asking $18,000 for the entire package (car, trailer, spares, etc.)
The car is a 2003 Mini Cooper S R53 in British Racing Green. It is a manual, no-sunroof car. I bought it as a fun street/autocross/track project and documented the build over time on https://www.alsoranracing.com/
I built this Mini to be a competitive autocross / track day car that is capable of being driven to and from the event. It competed in One Lap of America twice (2023, 2025), survived the transits, ran the track sessions, handled the abuse of our terrible interstates and roads, and won the Retro class in the 2025 Tire Rack One Lap of America.
Major build highlights include:
- Supercharged R53 Cooper S with 6-speed manual transmission
- Quaife limited-slip differential
- OS Giken clutch
- 15% supercharger pulley
- ATI crank pulley
- ECU tuning performed before One Lap 2025
- Milltek non-resonated cat-back exhaust
- R56 front brake conversion
- Power Slot rotors
- Stainless brake lines
- G-Loc R6 brake pads
- Megan Racing coilovers
- WMW adjustable rear sway bar
- H-Sport rear lower control arms
- Control arm and sway bar bushings
- RAD M14 wheel stud conversion
- Aluminum coolant tank
- External oil cooler conversion
- Hood venting to improve heat management
- Hidden trailer hitch
- 15×8 Koniq Dial-In wheels with 245/40ZR-15 Falken Azenis RT660
- 17×7 Spraco wheel/tire setup with Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS tires
- Ultra Gauge, OBDII scanner + splitter cable
- Harbor Freight 4×6 trailer and numerous spares / parts / tools / accessories
The car has had a significant amount of work and sorting. In 2023, the cylinder head was rebuilt during One Lap prep, with related gaskets, spark plug tubes, NGK JCW plugs, coolant temperature sensor, belt, and brake pads. In 2024, the car went through further maintenance and diagnostics, including vacuum-system work, cooling updates, fan-related work, external oil cooler conversion, and hood venting. The result is a car that is much better prepared for hard use than a normal R53.
What this car is:
It is a sorted, documented, enthusiast-owned R53 built for someone who wants a small, character-filled, mechanically engaging car that can autocross, run track days, do long-distance motorsports events, and still drive on the street. It has a real build history and real event history. It is a great fit for someone who wants a fantastic handling car that is class competitive in a broad range of events.
What this car is not:
It is not a collector-grade, low-mile, stock R53. It is not a quiet commuter car. It is not a perfect show car. It has been used, developed, tested, fixed, improved, and raced. It has the normal realities of a 2003 Mini that has been built for motorsports use. I would rather be transparent with the right buyer than oversell it to the wrong one.
Included / available with sale:
This is going to be sold as a package. Wheels, tires, spares, documentation, and other items will be included. I would prefer to see the car go to someone who will use it for what it was built to do.
Reason for selling:
I love this car, so I am not desperate to move it. The reason for selling is to fund the next project (I’m only allowed 1 race car at a time). The car is completely ready to go right now. Pick it up, give it your normal pre-event check, and take it straight to an autocross or track weekend.
Known Issues:
- The AC is not currently blowing cold air. It had a leak, which has been fixed but I didn’t recharge it so I actually don’t know that it has been completely fixed.
- The glove box latch is broke, and the entire assembly has been removed (included in spares).
- The clear bra (I assume was installed when the car was new) is cracked and faded.
- There is a small dent in quarter panel on the driver’s side
- Paint has a number of imperfections
Potential buyers are welcome to reach out with questions. I am happy to discuss the build, event history, known issues, maintenance, and anything else you might be interested in knowing.
