Mini Cooper R50
The Frank Stephenson-designed rebirth of a British icon, blending retro charm with BMW-engineered dynamics.
- Power
- 115 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.5 s
- Top speed
- 124 mph
- Est. value
- $3k–$8k
About the Mini Cooper R50
The R50 Mini Cooper marked the successful 21st-century relaunch of the brand under BMW ownership, replacing the original 1959 design. It features a 'Tritec' engine developed in partnership with Chrysler and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension setup that was rare for its class. The R50 is praised for its 'go-kart' handling and tactile steering, though the early Midlands five-speed manual gearbox is a known weak point. As the purest expression of the modern Mini's original footprint, early R50s are beginning to attract interest from collectors for their clean, unadorned styling.
Mini Cooper R50 specs
The Mini Cooper R50 produces 115 bhp (86 kW) and 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).
| Make | Mini |
|---|---|
| Model | Cooper |
| Generation | R50 |
| Trim | Cooper |
| Years | 2001–2006 |
| Type | Hatchback |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Original price | About $17,000 when new |
| Engine | 1.6-litre inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc (1.6 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 115 bhp (86 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,750 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.5 s |
| Top speed | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,050 kg (2,315 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 110 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Mini Cooper R50 worth?
A typical Mini Cooper R50 is estimated to be worth $3,000 – $7,500 (about £2,200 – £5,600).
Its original price when new was about $17,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Mini Cooper R50 rarity in CarSpot
The Mini Cooper R50 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Mini Cooper R50 fun facts
- The R50's design was finalised by Frank Stephenson, who also designed the Ferrari F430 and McLaren P1.
- To ensure the exhaust sounded right, engineers tuned it to mimic the burble of the original 1960s Cooper.
- The R50 generation was the only modern Mini to feature a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine before the shift to turbocharged units in the R56.
