2006model BMW Mini Cooper S R53 6AT

Inside the cabin, the high-frequency mechanical whine of the supercharger resonates pleasantly in your ears…
The driver grips the steering wheel, and without even noticing it, their excitement begins to build…!
As the revs rise with that uniquely thrilling sound, the compact body—exclusive to the early New MINI generation—surges forward with surprising mass and determination.
It gathers speed in a way that feels directly proportional to its lightweight body, accelerating with an almost explosive eagerness…!

It has already been a quarter-century since 2001, the year when the original MINI design—unchanged for half a century since Sir Alec Issigonis’ 1959 masterpiece—was completely reborn as the “New MINI,” stunning the world.
While the MINI has evolved into its fourth generation today, adapting to modern safety regulations and consequently growing larger with each iteration, the earliest models stand out even more strongly for their compactness—a trait that defines their pure charm as “cars.”
And among them, the R53 Cooper S—the only MINI ever to feature a supercharger—remains one of the most sought-after models among enthusiasts today.

Although larger than the classic Mini, the early BMW MINI also retains that iconic layout with wheels pushed out to each corner.
This yields an evolved, modern interpretation of the famous “go-kart handling,” a sensation that is deeply satisfying to experience.

The suspension, equipped with stabilizers exclusive to the R53 Cooper S, is often described as firm—but such comments come from the perspective of the average car buyer.
For enthusiasts who truly understand what defines a sports car, the R53’s suspension is instead perceived as highly communicative and naturally responsive—a remarkably well-balanced setup.
Combined with the Tritec W11B16A supercharged engine producing 170 PS at 6,000 rpm and a lightweight dry weight of just 1,210 kg, the result is an exhilaratingly harmonious driving experience.
It becomes abundantly clear that Alec Issigonis’ forward-thinking philosophy—conceived half a century ago—has been beautifully and completely elevated in the BMW MINI.

Among all variants, the R53 stands tallest as the only supercharged MINI ever produced.
And the specific example featured here—final model year, one owner for 20 years, fully original, with all service records—is truly the kind of car that seldom appears on the market.
It’s the kind of car you do not find—it’s the kind you wait to encounter.

■ A Story Spanning Two Decades

The owner who entrusted us with this car is a seasoned enthusiast with years of experience living in Germany.
He witnessed the debut of the first BMW MINI in 2001 in real time, standing in Germany as the model made its global introduction.
Hearing the high praise from local drivers, he obtained German-language brochures during his stay and decided firmly:
“When I return to Japan, I will absolutely buy this car.”

A few years later, upon returning to Tokyo, he chose the 6-speed automatic Cooper S so that the entire family could enjoy it—an ideal choice for life in the city where compact cars often make practical sense.
The car served the family wonderfully, creating countless shared memories while also offering a driving experience refined enough for the owner to fully enjoy.
Thus, he kept it—lovingly—for a full 20 years, as a true one-owner vehicle.

When he showed me the original German brochure he had kept since purchasing the car, and the binder containing the owner’s manual, service book, and every maintenance record from the last two decades, it was genuinely awe-inspiring.
Not a single major issue appears in its history.

A few minor items were addressed:

• The power-steering pump and associated pipes were replaced two years ago
• The right fender’s plastic panel was replaced due to a scratch
• The black roof was repainted in its original color about three years ago
• The sagging headliner—common to MINIs—was professionally repaired

The result is a car that has been beautifully preserved for 20 years, remaining impressively original and unmodified—“full normal”—a rarity that moves anyone who sees it.

■ A Life in a Beautiful Region, and a Carefully Preserved Car

The owner now lives in one of Japan’s most scenic highland resort areas.
Every year, from November—when snow begins to fall—until March, after the calcium chloride has been washed away by spring rain, the car is put into gentle “hibernation” in the garage.
He shared touching stories: placing a blanket over the MINI, resting it in a clean, dry indoor garage—his affection for this car was unmistakable.

Facing this impeccably original car, so pure and so beautifully kept, he shared quietly:
“I always thought I would keep it forever… but…”
With changes in his family’s stage of life, he made the difficult decision—truly one of heartbreak—to part with the car.

This final-year R53 Cooper S with 6-speed automatic—a car that has created countless memories for an entire family—is now ready to enrich the life of a new owner.
And today, it is my pleasure to introduce it to you.