Vehicle Description
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2009 MINI John Cooper Works Sportback "The 2009 MINI John Cooper
Works (takes) today's MINI to a whole new performance level...
truly living up to the legendary John Cooper name." - MotorWeek
MINIs wearing the John Cooper Works badge are the synthesis of the
two legends. Long known for its appealing combination of trim good
looks, clever utilization of interior space, wheels-at-the-corners
layout with go-cart like handling, and pure joy in the driving, the
MINI fully qualifies as an automotive legend. Added to this legend
is that of John Cooper Works (JCW), the British company founded in
2000 by Michael Cooper. His father, John Cooper, pioneered
rear-engine race-car design and was responsible for the original
Mini Cooper. Beginning with the re-launch of the brand under BMW's
manufacturing license and expertise, JCW produced tuning parts and
performance accessories for the MINI. Mainly, these bits were
dealer-installed upgrades. In 2009, however, the "John Cooper
Works" version of the MINI arrived in dealerships from the factory
fully prepared with Cooper's race-developed technology tailored to
the street. The Cooper Works cars boasted an upgraded turbocharged
version of the MINI's 1.6-liter four producing an impressive 211
horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque for such a small car. The
engine was also equipped with a Sport Mode: just push a button for
even more aggressive engine-mapping. With a modified high-flow,
higher decibel exhaust, the turbocharger delivered a 22% boost over
that of the already entertaining Cooper S. Electric-assist
steering, stability control, traction control, and electronically
locking differential were all specially tuned to the John Cooper
Works' unique handling characteristics. The transmission was a
Getrag 6-speed manual. True to its sporting roots, no automatic
transmissions were offered in these cars.This was a true "hot
hatch." The MINI John Cooper Works Sportback offered here is an
especially well-equipped, and very appealing example. Unlike (in
our opinion) too many MINIs with their exteriors bedecked in
stripes, Union Jacks, and loud colors, this car's optional Astro
black metallic paint allows the car's visual design details to show
to their best advantage. As a result, the optional aerodynamics
package, the MINI's flared wheel arches, large chrome headlight
bezels, hood scoop, and alloy wheels all make their respective
visual contributions coming together in a pure, unified, "of a
piece" statement. Only the red brake calipers hint at the
excitement to come. Because as restrained as the exterior of the
car is, inside, the splash of red from the optional leather lounge
redwood seats, red lettering on the gauges and the gearshift knob,
and red-and black door treatments (that are in themselves true
works of automotive art) let occupants know they're riding in a
special vehicle. Other interior options-from the convenience
packages, to the premium package, to the center armrest-together
with the optional sports suspension complete this compelling MINI
JCW. With a fresh $1600 full 4-wheel brake service, with just over
6,000 miles-per-year on the clock, and with a documented
maintenance history, a full set of manuals as well as its original
window sticker (a good indication that prior owners treasured the
car and respected its iconic status), this MINI is in exceptional
mechanical condition displaying true "garage kept" credentials. And
at a very engaging price, we don't expect it will be in our garage
for very long.
