2005 MINI Cooper S

YEAR: 2005
MODEL: MINI Cooper S (R53)
VIN#: IL15411
ENGINE: 1.6L Inline Four-Cylinder
CURB WEIGHT: 2,560 LBS.
TOP SPEED: 138 MPH
PRICE WHEN NEW: $20,449
NUMBER BUILT: Unknown
BUILD DATE: 2005
COLOR: Hyper Blue Metallic
OWNERS: Melissa Cunningham
LOCATION: Connellsville, PA
NICKNAME: N/A

For 2005 the Mini Cooper S was available as convertibles for the first time. All models get a few interior enhancements for 2005, including new interior lighting, storage space, and new trim options. The cars also received revised headlamps and tail lamps plus a new grille to freshen the looks of the 2005 MINI. The Cooper S got a new 6-speed manual gearbox with revised gearing for improved acceleration as well as receiving a slight bump in power to 168 horsepower. 

From Melissa: “It has been my HPDE (High Performance Driving Education) car and has been to tracks all over the country, from Laguna Seca in California to VIR in Virginia, Watkins Glen in New York, and more. It started as a daily driver and now is a pure track car.”

Melissa wanted the car to look stock on the track but also be driven on the street. She removed the rear seat, added solid motor mounts, big brake kit on front, and racing pads. She is the original owner. “What I love about it is that I always thought the 1st generation Cooper S was a pure driver’s car, with the lack of electronic aids.” 

She met her husband because of MINI. Zac was at a charity autocross in Pittsburgh and brought his MINI. He had a lot of questions about how to set up his car better and everyone told him to talk to Melissa. Zac had endless questions, and Melissa gave him her number. They planned to go to dinner as a date which she did not realize was a date and now they are married. All their wedding colors were factory MINI colors.