1997 classic rover mini cooper s sport 5 by john cooper garages
In 1997, John Cooper Garages launched two new exciting variants of the iconic Mini Cooper S: the Cooper S Touring and the Cooper S Sport 5. Both models were built to deliver immense driving pleasure, featuring advancements such as multi-point fuel injection and other developments from the latest Mk7 Rover Mini. Among the standout John Cooper performance enhancements were a high-compression S-stage cylinder head with enlarged valves, 1:5:1 ratio roller-tip rockers, a high-performance exhaust with 3-branch manifold and a modified fuel pressure regulator. These upgrades increased the power output to 85bhp and reduced the 0-60mph sprint to an impressive 9.65 seconds.
The Cooper S Sport 5 truly stood out, equipped with a Jack Knight 5-speed close-ratio helical gearbox which maximised the performance of the upgraded engine. For the very first time you could purchase a classic Mini with a 5-speed gearbox as standard. Visually, it featured distinctive 'Cooper S Sport 5' side decals, Rallye-style fog and spot lamps, 13” Sportspack wheels and flared arches, stainless steel door step covers with 'John Cooper' script, alloy door furniture and a refined burr walnut dashboard and door cappings. Although exact production numbers remain elusive, it is believed that as few as 30 units of the Sport 5 were produced, making it one of the rarest iterations of the classic Mini.
This particular Sport 5 was registered by John Cooper Garages on 25th January 1997 and is presented in Charcoal metallic with a white roof and bonnet stripes, over a rare Cumulus leather-trimmed interior. The Mini was also specified with rear wash/wipe, which again, is rare to see. Attached to the crossmember resides the John Cooper Garages plaque engraved with car number 5. Notably, the passenger sun visor is autographed by late Mini rally icon Paddy Hopkirk and the owner’s handbook is signed and inscribed by John Cooper himself.
With only 57,687 miles on the clock, this Mini has been enthusiast-owned for the past 21 years, residing near Worthing, where John Cooper Garages was located. It has seen limited use in recent years, accumulating just 6,000 miles since 2010, during which it has spent recurring periods in storage.
The Mini is sold freshly serviced and MOT’d until 17th February 2026 and also benefits from four new tyres. As expected, the 85bhp-converted engine is strong and the Jack Knight 5-speed gearbox is engaging and performs admirably. Supplied with the car are two sets of keys and a history file including the original owner’s handbooks, a fully-stamped service book and sales brochures.
A very rare opportunity to acquire one of the most converted classic Mini models.