16/02/2021
Prodrive is a world-leading Motorsport and Advanced Technology business which has been involved in some of the most memorable moments in motorsport history
The 2012 debut of the Prodrive-developed WRC Mini Countryman culminated in a remarkable 2nd place at Monte Carlo
Subsequently, 3 âProdrive Editionâ All4 Countryman Cooper âSâ road cars were built as a development exercise
All slightly different, this car was built to the personal requirements of Company Chairman, David Richards CBE
Whilst looking every inch a âWRC car for the roadâ, it was developed to be used as a âdaily-driverâ
Upgrades include, ECU(225bhp), Intercooler, clutch, suspension, carbon rear wing etc.
Naturally, it has always been looked after âin houseâ by his expert team
Fresh MOT, history file, spare wheels. Rare, very cool with superb provenance
Prodrive is a world-leading motorsport and advanced technology business which has been involved in some of the most memorable moments in motorsport history. One of the most significant of those moments was undoubtedly Colin McRaeâs victory on the RAC Rally in 1995, making him Britainâs first World Rally Champion and bringing Subaru the first of three consecutive manufacturers' titles. Prodriveâs success in rallying is mirrored by their success in circuit racing, a discipline that started in 1987 when they were selected to run BMWâs official entry in the British Touring Car Championship.
In 2010, the BMW factory sought guidance from Prodrive, leading players in the world of modern-day rallying to help them with their targeted challenge of winning the World Rally Championship. Prodrive then carried out extensive work developing and testing what was to become the Mini WRC in 2011 and entered a team for the 2012 World Rally Championship. As is normal, the first event in the Championship calendar was the Monte Carlo Rally and the team celebrated the Minis debut with a remarkable 2nd overall.
During a works rally programme, various âotherâ vehicles are used during events for pace notes, support etc. and the load-carrying capacity of the Mini Countryman often proved invaluable. Required to cover similar terrain and endure similar stresses to the rally cars, the support vehicles were often modified and strengthened to ensure practicality and reliability and it was fairly common for the âlookâ of the works cars to be transferred to the support cars. Never known to miss a commercial opportunity, it occurred to the Prodrive team during the Mini WRC programme, that it might be a good idea to transfer the knowledge and experience gained with the Countryman support vehicles into three road car editions with appropriate performance upgrades and, most importantly, the right look.
Finished in Royal Grey Metallic with Gravity Black leather, this particular Cooper S All4 Countryman was purchased by David Richards CBE, the well known and highly respected Chairman of Prodrive, brand new in 2011 from Mini Park Lane. Although superbly equipped to start with (CHILI Pack, 17âAnthracite alloys etc.) his team of engineers were given a relatively free hand to develop and upgrade the car still further with the intention of capturing the âessenceâ of the WRC cars whilst keeping the Mini enjoyable to drive and totally user-friendly.
The list of upgrades includes:
ECU upgrade to 225bhp
Intercooler upgrade
Exhaust upgrade
Helix clutch upgrade
Suspension upgrade â Bilsteins
18â tarmac rims with centre caps
Body kit painted in body colour
Carbon rear wing
De-chrome kit
Part-Alcantara steering wheel and matching gear lever gaiter
Prodrive door kick-plates.
Being the personal car of âthe Bossâ, as you can imagine, this car has been looked after extensively âin-houseâ by his expert team and comes to market having covered 40,570 miles from new. Indeed, prior to the sale a new windscreen has just been fitted and the Bilstein suspension is new.
Registered to David Richards personally and being one of only three âProdrive-editionâ examples (all slightly different) ever made.
